“Right Rear Hooking is not the way” – Denny Hamlin condemns the Martinsville Truck Series culprit while siding with NASCAR’s punishment

The 2023 NASCAR season gets more interesting with every weekend. In a campaign that has seen penalties left, right and centre, the governing body appears to be continuing its toughness on dealing with infractions. Truck Series drivers are generally younger than their Cup Series counterparts. Her youthful energy makes her prone to rash action, and one such act was recently witnessed during the Craftsmen truck race. Interestingly, Denny Hamlin comes out to do the deed, siding with NASCAR in this case.

NASCAR and Hamlin have shared many bumpy rides over the years, the last of which is still fresh in fans’ memories. However, the ugliness of his recent saga aside, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver defended the sanctioning body for their recent decision in Martinsville.

Denny Hamlin slaps young Truck Series driver while expressing support for NASCAR

In his 19 years as a full-time Cup Series driver, Denny Hamlin has seen almost everything. Just a few weeks ago, he was navigating the tangle of the appeals process following the Ross Chastain incident in Phoenix. After his admission to intentionally demolishing the Trackhouse Racing driver, NASCAR fined him $50,000 and deducted 25 points.

Interestingly, he made some good points about intent during the hearing, but they proved futile. Despite the unsuccessful result, the 42-year-old couldn’t resist heaping criticism on a young NASCAR Truck Series driver. Hamin was last seen tweeting “What’s the matter with the child?‘ after witnessing a particular incident in Martinsville.

It was young niece Motorsports driver Carson Hocevar, who was twice guilty in the Truck Series race. First, Hocevar slammed the door on William Sawalich at Turn 1 before touching Tanner Gray. After that, the 20-year-old saw his left rear tire cut due to the contact. Still, he hung a left on Gray’s door, but it backfired and he spun out.

Interestingly, NASCAR imposed a two-lap penalty on Hocevar, making it one of the rare occasions when an in-race penalty is imposed. Hamlin recently spoke to the media and criticized the young driver. He said, “Yeah, it’s just disappointing to see the number 42 take a few lads. You know, I think it was the first time it would be a thing, but it looks like he’s kind of a repeat offender in that regard.

When asked what he would suggest to Hocevar, the three-time Daytona 50o winner said: “Yeah, hooking right back isn’t the way, that’s for sure.” Additionally, the media embraced Hamlin’s opinion on whether NASCAR’s two-lap penalty was justified. To this he said “Yes, listen, it’s a step in the right direction, I think when they see something green like that, it’s an absolute step in the right direction. At least it’s something safe.”

He also made some interesting comments when asked if Hocevar’s actions were more appalling than Phoenix’s. He said, “It’s certainly more egregious, but you know that at least NASCAR did something that you know. I think he’s been really pushing the envelope with intentional warnings and right back hook types for a while now.”

While appreciating NASCAR’s quick actions with the penalty, Hamlin added a sarcastic comment. The 23XI Racing co-owner was asked if further action should be taken in relation to the incident. To this he said “I think willful wrecks justify 25 points, fifty thousand dollars, that’s the justification, that’s the precedent.”

Regardless of Hamlin’s comments, Hocevar’s actions were certainly questionable. In fact, even the fans had some angry thoughts.

The racing community reacts when NASCAR gives Carson Hocevar a two-lap penalty in the race

It’s understandable that Carson Hocevar is young and prone to making questionable decisions. However, this is the age to set a mark for the future. Because of this, NASCAR’s likely justification for issuing the two-lap penalty.

The hooking at the back right could have had unprecedented circumstances on Friday. Thankfully nothing happened, but fans certainly didn’t appreciate Hocevar’s actions on track.

Will we see the same in Sunday’s Cup Series race if an in-race penalty is assessed? If so, it would certainly be an interesting affair.

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