In a dramatic turn of events at the Circuit of The Americas, NASCAR drivers Austin Dillon and Denny Hamlin found themselves at the center of controversy following a late-race collision. The incident has reignited discussions about on-track retaliation and the potential for lingering grievances from past races.
During the closing laps of the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota made contact with Austin Dillon’s No. 3 Chevrolet at the notorious Turn 6A, often referred to as the ‘calamity corner.’ Hamlin’s vehicle appeared to lock up, resulting in a nose-first collision into Dillon’s car, sending both vehicles spinning and Dillon into the gravel trap. While Hamlin managed to continue, Dillon’s car was immobilized, leading to his first DNF (Did Not Finish) of the season and a 35th-place result.
NASCAR’s official social media account described the incident as mutual contact between the two drivers, stating, “The Nos. 3 and 11 make contact and the yellow flag flies.” However, Dillon contested this portrayal, responding on social media with, “Correction. The No. 11 made contact with the No. 3,” indicating his belief that Hamlin was solely responsible for the collision.
This incident has led to speculation about possible retaliation stemming from a previous altercation between the two drivers. In the 2024 Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway, Dillon secured a controversial victory after making aggressive moves that resulted in both Hamlin and Joey Logano spinning out on the final lap. The maneuver drew sharp criticism from both affected drivers and led to penalties for Dillon, including a loss of playoff eligibility and a points deduction.
Hamlin, expressing his frustration after the Richmond incident, stated, “We have rules to prevent ridiculous acts, but, you know, it’s been a long time since the rules have been enforced.” This comment has fueled theories that Hamlin’s recent contact with Dillon at COTA may have been a form of retribution, though Hamlin has not publicly confirmed any such intentions.
The ripple effects of the COTA collision extended beyond the two drivers involved. Kyle Busch, Dillon’s teammate at Richard Childress Racing, was leading the race with 18 laps remaining and appeared poised to end a 59-race winless streak. The caution triggered by the Dillon-Hamlin incident erased Busch’s lead, and he ultimately finished fifth. Reflecting on the outcome, Busch remarked, “Once we had that yellow, you’re just in defense mode.”
As NASCAR officials review the incident, the racing community is abuzz with debates over driver conduct, the ethics of on-track retaliation, and the effectiveness of current regulations in maintaining fair competition.
Fans and analysts alike are keenly observing how NASCAR will address this situation and what implications it may have for future races.
For a visual recap of the incident, you can watch the following video:
