A public exchange between Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch drew attention Saturday during the NASCAR Cup Series weekend at Kansas Speedway. The situation developed after Busch responded to remarks Hamlin made on his “Actions Detrimental” podcast, leading Hamlin to address the criticism on social media.
Hamlin posted on X in response to Busch’s comments, writing: “Not really sure what I’m supposed to do. I host a podcast, and I have to answer questions about relevant topics. Should I just say I dunno, everything seems fine to me? Not sure where he felt I ‘bashed’. I’m walking a damn tight rope here.”
The exchange added another layer to the NASCAR Cup Series weekend, with both drivers addressing the situation publicly ahead of Sunday’s race.
Podcast Comments Lead to NASCAR Cup Series Tension
The discussion stems from Hamlin’s April 13 podcast episode titled “Kyle Busch Still Has It… But Something Is Off.” During the episode, Hamlin evaluated Busch’s recent performance with Richard Childress Racing.
“He’s struggled for five years now, so we just have to be honest about our expectations. If you’re expecting Kyle Busch to just go back to Victory Lane, you’re going to be very disappointed. I’m not in his shoes. I’m not his crew chief, his engineer, or his team owner. I’m just a podcaster who happens to be on the racetrack around him, and I can say it’s not working.”
Hamlin also compared Busch’s results to those of teammate Austin Dillon and suggested the two-time champion is still searching for answers in the current car.
“I think he’s searching right now. It’s just my opinion, but he’s just trying to figure something out.”
The comments reflected ongoing discussions around Busch’s performance in the NASCAR Cup Series, particularly during the Next Gen era.
Kyle Busch Responds to Denny Hamlin’s Remarks
Busch addressed the comments while speaking with reporters at Kansas Speedway. He responded directly to Hamlin’s assessment and challenged the criticism.
“If Denny wants to switch cars, I’ll switch cars with him any day of the week, anytime. I would love for him to show me that he can carry it better than I can.”
Busch also criticized Hamlin’s analysis, stating that “Denny Hamlin doesn’t know what the hell he is talking about.” He added that Hamlin could “bash me all he wants” and said he could “certainly make his life hell.”
The response came as Busch continues the 2026 season driving the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. He has yet to record a win this season and has faced challenges with consistency.
Hamlin and Busch were teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing until Busch’s departure after the 2022 season. Their history includes both on-track competition and public exchanges, with this latest incident adding to that record.
The situation highlights how driver-led media platforms have become part of the NASCAR Cup Series landscape. Hamlin’s role as both a competitor and podcast host places his comments under added scrutiny.
As the weekend continues, both drivers remain part of the field, preparing for Sunday’s race, with the focus shifting back to on-track competition.
NASCAR Cup Series: Denny Hamlin Responds After Kyle Busch Comments Spark Tension