Published 02/06/2023, 10:30 AM EST
The 2023 NASCAR season is officially underway with the Clash at the Coliseum. Martin Truex Jr drew first blood, with the Richard Childress pair of Austin Dillon and Kyle Busch behind him. However, Truex Jr’s teammate Denny Hamlin was not best pleased with how his race panned out. He ultimately finished in 9th place, but he was angry with the amount of rough-housing during the race.
When asked whether the Coliseum should be considered a point-scoring race, Hamlin let out his sarcastic side. He mentioned after the race, “There’s just no repercussions. Driving in and using the bumper of the car in front of you. They hit someone in front of them, then the car, two cars up, spins. The only way to officiate it is to say that it was unnecessary contact, so you go to the rear. The whole field will be black-flagged if we race like that.”
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Dale Earnhardt Jr Leads Outraged NASCAR Reactions at Latest LA Coliseum News
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Did NASCAR fans agree with Denny Hamlin and his stance?
Truthfully speaking, many people found Hamlin’s comments hilarious. One thing was for sure, they simply could not wait for his debut podcast to drop. As a naturally hilarious guy, Hamlin is bound to have a lot of quips and comments. There were also plenty of fans who had complaints about the quality of racing at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
Feb 5, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11), driver Kyle Busch (8) and driver Martin Truex Jr. (19) during the NASCAR Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
Admittedly, the prospect of the Coliseum being turned into a point-scoring race cropped up because of the Auto Club Speedway. As it turned out, the Auto Club Speedway is expected to undergo a major revamp later this year. Safe to say, this was pretty divisive, and not many were fond of the LA Coliseum move, including Dale Earnhardt Jr.
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Of course, everyone will have to cross that bridge when they get there. Only time will tell if this actually does come to pass or whether NASCAR will come up with an alternate plan.
WATCH THIS STORY: Freddie Kraft Explains Why Denny Hamlin, and Not Bubba Wallace, Deserves the “More Than Fast Moments” Tag for Michigan