The In-Season Challenge at Atlanta Raceway erupted into chaos early in Stage 2 when Denny Hamlin triggered an 18-car pileup, forcing a red flag and leaving fans frustrated by the sudden disruption. Known as the No. 1-seeded driver for the Quaker State 400, Hamlin started outside the top 30 but steadily advanced toward the front before the incident unfolded.
Hamlin’s teammate Christopher Bell spun and caused a multi-car accident, setting a tense tone for the restart. Shortly afterward, Hamlin made contact with John Hunter Nemechek near the eighth position and spun into Noah Gragson of Front Row Motorsports. This triggered a massive collision involving several top drivers, including pole-sitter Joey Logano and second-seeded Chase Briscoe, significantly altering the race dynamics.
Fan Reactions Highlight Frustration Over Hamlin’s Role in the Incident
The crash prompted widespread criticism from spectators on social media, many targeting Hamlin for upending the contest. NASCAR’s official social media channels posted footage of the wreck, noting its dramatic impact on the race.
“Daddy, I wrecked your favorite driver…all of em,” a fan wrote.
“Thanks, Hamlin… again. I’m sure he’ll blame someone else.”
“Someone forgot to yield,” another fan added.
“The bracket challenge just turned into who has a drivable car lol,” commented one X user.
“How can you have a real race after this?” questioned another fan.
As the dust settled, Tyler Reddick, driving for Hamlin’s co-owned 23XI Racing team, managed to win Stage 2 by narrowly defeating Chase Elliott. Meanwhile, Hamlin was forced to retire, leaving his In-Season Challenge opponent Ty Dillon as one of the few contenders left to advance to the next round.
Hamlin Points to Brad Keselowski After Pocono Error
In a separate incident, Denny Hamlin blamed Brad Keselowski for a costly mistake during the Pocono Raceway event that dropped him from the lead. Hamlin, driving for RFK Racing, mistakenly entered the pits before the lane opened, which caused him to fall to the back of the field.
On his “Actions Detrimental” podcast, Hamlin explained why he placed responsibility on Keselowski:
“You know it’s your team’s job to tell you pit roads closed or open……He’s right behind the pace car and it is flashing red and it never flashed anything but red and so that’s, it’s on the driver,” he said.
Despite the error, Hamlin finished second behind his teammate Chase Briscoe. Keselowski’s efforts allowed him to climb into the top 10, finishing ninth.
Race Turmoil Signals Challenges Ahead for the In-Season Challenge
Denny Hamlin’s Atlanta crash chaos has not only intensified fan scrutiny but also reshaped the competitive landscape of the In-Season Challenge. The multi-car wreck disrupted key contenders’ momentum and raised questions about race strategy and driver conduct. Moving forward, Hamlin’s role as both a driver and 23XI co-owner will remain under close watch as the season progresses and rivalries deepen within NASCAR’s elite field.