Tensions ran high at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) as a late-race incident between Austin Dillon and Denny Hamlin set off a heated debate among the former and NASCAR fans. On Lap 78, Hamlin locked up his tires heading into a turn, pushing Dillon and sending him spinning into the gravel.
While many saw it as a simple mistake, Dillon’s response after the race stirred controversy, leaving fans divided over whether it was just a racing incident or something more.
Austin Dillon Calls Out Denny Hamlin, Fans Fire Back
Following the race, Dillon took to social media, mentioning, “Correction. The No. 11 made contact with the No. 3”, pushing back against NASCAR’s official explanation, which simply said, “The Nos. 3 and 11 make contact and the yellow flag flies.”
Dillon hinted that there might have been intent behind the move, questioning why NASCAR seemingly downplayed the incident.
The Nos. 3 and 11 make contact and the yellow flag flies. pic.twitter.com/u1h7u5YhoM
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 2, 2025
However, instead of rallying behind him, most fans turned against Dillon, reminding him of his own aggressive moves last year. The biggest talking point? His controversial win at Richmond last season, where he made heavy contact with both Hamlin and Joey Logano in the closing laps — taking them out and securing the victory for himself.
Hamlin, known for his calculated racing style, didn’t say much about the incident, but some fans believe he might have intentionally sent a message. After all, NASCAR is a sport where payback is common, and some speculate that this was his way of reminding Dillon about their Richmond clash.
Others, however, defended Hamlin, pointing out that COTA’s road course layout is unforgiving, making lockups and accidental contact fairly common.
NASCAR fans didn’t hold back their opinions, though. While some sided with Dillon, believing that Hamlin’s move might have been intentional (which also led to his teammate Christopher Bell winning the race), most fans showed little sympathy for Dillon, saying he was now getting a taste of his own medicine.
A few even mocked his reaction, saying, “Now you’re crying? When you absolutely destroyed both the #22 and the #11 at Richmond last year? How does this one work, cowboy?”
Yeah, the No. 3 also made contact with both the No. 11 and the No. 22 at Richmond a few months ago.
Tell me how that went again, Austin? https://t.co/MFcwdP9god
— Dave The Race Fan (@RacingFan2397) March 3, 2025
Another said, “Yeah, the No. 3 also made contact with both the No. 11 and the No. 22 at Richmond a few months ago. Tell me how that went again, Austin?”
Whether Hamlin meant to do it or not, one thing is clear — this incident has reignited a tense rivalry. With both drivers set to battle it out for the rest of the season, fans will be keeping a close eye on the next time Dillon and Hamlin cross paths on the track.
