NASCAR Debate Turns Ugly as Denny Hamlin Calls Out Dale Earnhardt Jr. Over Carson Hocevar

Denny Hamlin challenged Dale Earnhardt Jr. over his comments on Carson Hocevar’s brake-checking of Austin Cindric at Martinsville Speedway. The disagreement unfolded on Hamlin’s Actions Detrimental podcast after the 2026 Xfinity 500, where Hocevar repeatedly hit his brakes on the straightaway, damaging Cindric’s No. 2 Team Penske Ford. Cindric retired from the race and finished 36th, while Hocevar crossed the line in 21st. Hamlin argued NASCAR must protect the integrity of racing rather than allow dangerous conduct for entertainment. Earnhardt Jr. agreed Hocevar crossed the line but admitted part of him wanted to see more chaos.