Tension flared after Ryan Blaney’s recent NASCAR victory, as Denny Hamlin openly criticized Team Penske for what he believed was a manipulative green-flag pit strategy that cost him the lead late in the race. Hamlin, visibly frustrated, didn’t hold back post-race, accusing Penske of “tricking” him during a pivotal moment. His eight scathing words—“They tricked us. That was not very fair.”—summed up the bitter tone of his remarks.
The controversy began during a green-flag pit cycle, where Team Penske executed a daring pit strategy that Hamlin and his team misread. Believing the timing was less urgent, Hamlin stayed out longer than Blaney. That miscalculation gave Blaney fresher tires and the track position he needed to overtake and eventually hold on for the win.
Hamlin, who had led earlier in the race and seemed poised for a strong finish, suggested that Penske may have intentionally misled their competitors with the timing of their pit stops. In his view, the timing of Blaney’s stop gave the illusion that they were pitting at a different point in the cycle, creating confusion for other teams, especially his own.
While no rules were broken, Hamlin’s reaction highlights how high-stakes strategy plays a massive role in NASCAR outcomes. His frustration is rooted in what he perceives as a lack of sportsmanship, not necessarily a violation of conduct. Still, Team Penske and Blaney maintained that their move was simply smart racing.
