Denny Hamlin says drivers ‘talk about,’ but rarely fully commit to getting payback on track

Denny Hamlin believes many NASCAR drivers will talk more about getting payback, but not actually do anything on the track.

During the latest episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin evaluated two separate incidents from Darlington, one where Ryan Blaney was livid with William Byron, and of course the race-deciding moment between Tyler Reddick and Chris Buescher.

Evidently, the No. 11 wheelman doesn’t see revenge on the docket for either driver. He thinks NASCAR drivers in general are more talk than anything when it comes to getting some payback on someone who wronged them.

“I don’t know,” Hamlin responded, asked if Blaney or Buescher will look to get revenge first. “Payback? I don’t know. A lot of these drivers talk, and they don’t really do much in the long run.

“I mean, Blaney will probably just race him hard, probably. They’ll go to Charlotte, and he’ll just run on his door, and make sure he doesn’t clear. You could just make someone’s job a little bit harder, for sure.”

Regardless, we have seen drivers with long memories. Buescher or Blaney may not look to get some revenge in the All-Star Race or even immediately afterwards, but when the time arises, the No. 12 and the No. 17 won’t be shy about taking what they feel is owed to them.

Denny Hamlin: Chris Buescher ‘not that kind of guy’ to throw a punch

Moreover, regarding the post-race altercation between Reddick and Buescher, Hamlin saw Buescher push Reddick, but no punches were thrown, which lines up with what Hamlin expects from the No. 17.

“He came up to his car, as Reddick is undressing his head. It’s not like Reddick kept his helmet on just to keep from getting punched., I think Buescher would probably be the last person I expect that from, just because he, in my opinion, isn’t that kind of guy,” Hamlin added. “But you know, I think that, you know, he gave him a little shove there just to let him know, but he quickly calmed down. 

“Like, Buescher quickly put his emotions back in check. Sure, he was still upset in his interview and what not, but he still wasn’t, he didn’t completely lose his mind.”

Not that Hamlin thinks Buescher won’t stand up for himself, but the No. 17 wheelman got his point across without having to resort to punching Reddick. That was more effective than anything. Besides, who would want to get clocked by Buescher? He’s a big dude for a NASCAR driver.