The NASCAR world is buzzing with controversy as Chase Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series champion, has presented new evidence alleging that Denny Hamlin engaged in unfair tactics to secure an advantage at the 2025 Sonoma Raceway event. This bombshell has prompted NASCAR officials to launch an official investigation, reigniting tensions between two of the sport’s biggest stars. The accusations come on the heels of a heated season, with Hamlin’s dominant performance at Sonoma, where he led key laps, now under scrutiny.
Elliott’s claims center on data and telemetry from Hamlin’s No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota during the Toyota/Save Mart 350. According to sources close to Hendrick Motorsports, Elliott’s team alleges that Hamlin’s crew made unauthorized adjustments to the car’s aerodynamics, potentially violating NASCAR’s strict technical regulations. The evidence, reportedly including video footage and telemetry logs, suggests that these tweaks gave Hamlin an edge in cornering speeds through Sonoma’s challenging turns. Elliott, who finished third after a late pit strategy, was vocal about his suspicions post-race, stating, “Something didn’t add up out there. The data tells a story we can’t ignore.”
Hamlin, a 59-time Cup Series winner, has denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” on his podcast, Actions Detrimental. He argued that his team’s performance was a result of superior strategy and driving, pointing to his lap 87 speeding penalty as evidence of pushing the limits within the rules. “We raced hard and smart,” Hamlin said. “If Chase has an issue, he should bring it to the table, not sling mud.” This isn’t the first time these two have clashed—Elliott was suspended for one race in 2023 after intentionally wrecking Hamlin at Charlotte, a move Hamlin called a “tantrum.”
NASCAR’s response was swift, with officials confirming they are reviewing the evidence. The governing body cited its rulebook, which prohibits modifications that enhance performance beyond approved specifications. A similar incident in 2022 saw Hamlin stripped of a Pocono victory due to a post-race inspection failure, setting a precedent for harsh penalties. If found guilty, Hamlin could face fines, points deductions, or even a suspension, jeopardizing his championship aspirations as the 2025 season nears its playoffs.
The Sonoma race already had its share of drama, with pit road confrontations and penalties for speeding, including Hamlin’s pass-through under green. Elliott’s third-place finish, despite leading 238 laps at Dover earlier in the season, underscores his frustration at being outmaneuvered. Fans are divided, with some praising Elliott for holding competitors accountable and others accusing him of sour grapes.
As NASCAR digs deeper, the rivalry between Elliott and Hamlin is set to intensify. With the playoffs looming, this investigation could reshape the championship narrative. Will Hamlin’s legacy as a four-time 2025 winner be tarnished, or will Elliott’s claims fall short? The racing world awaits NASCAR’s verdict.
