The Heated Rivalry Between Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin: A NASCAR Classic
A quick search for “NASCAR fights” on YouTube will pull up countless videos—individual incidents, compilations, and full-on brawls. NASCAR has a long history of emotions running high, from the legendary 1979 Daytona 500 clash between Cale Yarborough and the Allison brothers to Jeff Gordon’s heated battle with Brad Keselowski in Texas. It’s this raw intensity that sets NASCAR apart from other motorsports.
Short tracks like Martinsville, where space is tight and contact is inevitable, often become the battlegrounds for some of the sport’s most heated rivalries. Feuds can ignite in mere seconds, leading to post-race confrontations that resemble WWE-style showdowns. One of the most memorable moments came in 2019, featuring two drivers who never back down: Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano.
The Joey Logano vs. Denny Hamlin Clash at Martinsville
Tensions boiled over at Martinsville Speedway’s Xfinity 500 during the 2019 NASCAR playoffs when Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano reignited their long-standing rivalry. The trouble started on lap 458 of 500, when Hamlin squeezed Logano into the wall off Turn 4, damaging Logano’s No. 22 car. The contact resulted in a cut tire and a spin, effectively knocking Logano out of contention for the win. Though he managed to finish eighth, the frustration lingered.
After the race, Logano confronted Hamlin on pit road, leading to a tense exchange. What began as a heated discussion quickly escalated when Logano shoved Hamlin and tried to walk away. Refusing to let it slide, Hamlin went after Logano, but before he could retaliate, Penske crew chief Todd Gordon stepped in to restrain him.
Things took an even wilder turn when Dave Nichols Jr., a Team Penske tire specialist, blindsided Hamlin with a tackle, setting off an all-out brawl involving both teams. NASCAR later suspended Nichols for one week due to his involvement in the altercation.
In his post-race interview, Hamlin didn’t hold back. Frustrated with Logano’s actions, he called him out, saying, “He’s scared.” Hamlin recounted how their discussion started civilly but changed when Logano suddenly shoved him. “He asked if I wanted to go, I said yes, and then he ran away.” He even mocked Logano’s usual explanation for aggressive racing, sarcastically saying, “He’ll probably just say, ‘ah…it’s short track racing.’”
Logano, on the other hand, defended himself, though he admitted that shoving Hamlin may have escalated the situation. He expressed frustration that Hamlin didn’t apologize for the on-track contact, saying, “I honestly just wanted to hear what he had to say, but he wasn’t apologetic at all.”
A Rivalry That Won’t Die
The conflict at Martinsville was far from the first between Hamlin and Logano—and it likely won’t be the last. Their feud dates back to 2013, when a dramatic crash at Auto Club Speedway left Hamlin with a fractured vertebra, sidelining him for weeks.
Over the years, their rivalry has continued, fueled by aggressive racing and heated confrontations. Even in 2023, Hamlin reflected on their complex dynamic in a podcast, acknowledging that their competitive history has kept tensions high. As long as both drivers remain top contenders, fireworks are always a possibility, ensuring fans stay on edge every time they share the track.
For those wanting a closer look at the 2019 Martinsville clash, extended coverage is available online.
