In April 2024, a heated exchange between NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin and Speedway Motorsports Inc. (SMI) CEO Marcus Smith escalated on social media, reflecting the broader tensions between drivers and track owners. This conflict arose primarily from Smith’s management of NASCAR tracks, which included frequent reconfigurations and replacing longstanding venues, a trend that frustrated many drivers including Hamlin. Over a year later, this feud has seemingly cooled, with the two figures moving past their public disagreement.
Marcus Smith, who has led SMI for many years, acknowledged the repeated clashes between his corporation and drivers and indicated that time has helped defuse the situation with Hamlin. This thaw was confirmed when Smith appeared as a guest on ‘Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour’ in July 2025, where he revealed that Hamlin had invited him to a golf tournament, signaling a gesture of goodwill.
The Origins of the Clash: Sonoma Raceway and Online Tensions
The dispute originated around the conditions and future of Sonoma Raceway, a 1.99-mile road course that had been experiencing track surface issues despite a recent repaving. Hamlin expressed his frustration openly on social media in April 2024, calling it
“Ignorance on display for the world to see.”
Marcus Smith quickly responded by asking Hamlin to delete the tweet, sparking a back-and-forth in which both men made personal remarks. Hamlin criticized Smith’s management of his family business, while Smith highlighted Hamlin’s lack of a championship.
Despite the harsh words exchanged, both publicly apologized, acknowledging that
“it got more personal than it should have.”
Since then, their relationship showed signs of improvement, confirmed by Hamlin’s invitation to Smith’s golf event. Smith explained he would miss the tournament due to his son‘s wedding but appreciated the gesture:
“I think we’re good. He invited me to his golf tournament which is coming up, which is very nice of him. Will support, I can’t make it, ’cause I’m gonna be at the…Our son’s getting married. It’s wild.” —Marcus Smith, CEO of Speedway Motorsports Inc.
Lingering Discontent Among Drivers Over Track Management
Even though the personal feud between Hamlin and Smith has improved, underlying concerns about Smith’s leadership and decisions remain among NASCAR drivers. Smith’s approach to track alterations has been contentious, particularly his handling of the Texas track reconfiguration and the changes at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Drivers have voiced their displeasure with the modifications, which some believe compromise the racing quality.
The Charlotte Roval is another point of contention. While Smith supports keeping the hybrid road course/oval layout, many drivers including Chase Elliott prefer a return to the traditional oval configuration, dismissing the Roval as a “parking lot.” Additionally, Stephen Swift, who oversees track preparation and development for ISC, faced backlash after suggesting fan opinions should prioritize over drivers’ feedback following the Atlanta changes. These tensions suggest that the conflict between SMI and drivers extends beyond the Hamlin-Smith rivalry, indicating broader friction surrounding NASCAR’s evolving track policies.
Hamlin’s Continued Criticism of Smith’s Decisions in 2025
Despite the visible truce off the track, Hamlin has maintained a critical stance toward several of Smith’s recent initiatives in 2025. The Circuit of the Americas (COTA), which joined the NASCAR schedule in 2021, has been regarded positively for its exciting road course races. However, Hamlin cast doubt on its future inclusion after his teammate Christopher Bell’s recent victory, suggesting that its return would depend on “how much they charge” Smith.
Moreover, the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race introduced an unprecedented “competition caution” mechanic controlled by Marcus Smith, a change that did not resonate well within the garage. Hamlin downplayed its impact, stating,
“I don’t know how it’s much different from what we already have, truthfully.”
This ongoing skepticism reflects his cautious view of Smith’s influence on the sport’s competitive formats.
Smith’s Ambitious Plans for Bristol Motor Speedway and Their Reception
Looking ahead, Marcus Smith has unveiled plans that could reshape NASCAR venues further, including a radical proposal for Bristol Motor Speedway. On ‘Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour,’ Smith described his vision to add a roof to Bristol, enabling year-round events beyond racing. He highlighted the versatility this could offer, pointing to previous non-racing events like baseball, football games, and even WrestleMania. Smith elaborated:
“The dream, I think the thing that would be awesome to do, and we could do it, is to put a roof on Bristol one day. I would love that. Then, the things you could do there, it would be – you know, we’ve got a baseball game coming up next month in Bristol. We’ve done a football game. We could do WrestleMania. You could have, who knows what, the biggest UFC fight in the world.” —Marcus Smith, CEO of Speedway Motorsports Inc.
Though Smith’s ambition could expand the venue’s appeal, it is unclear how traditional drivers, especially Hamlin, will respond to racing under a roof, given concerns about enclosed spaces and air quality related to car exhaust. The reaction to this proposal remains to be seen, but it suggests that Smith’s drive for innovation may continue to provoke debate within NASCAR’s community.
Ongoing Debate Over NASCAR’s Direction Amid Evolving Leadership
While Denny Hamlin and Marcus Smith have publicly moved past their personal feud, the broader challenges facing NASCAR persist. Smith’s leadership at SMI, reflected in aggressive track redesigns and novel event concepts, continues to divide drivers and fans. Hamlin’s readiness to critique these changes highlights unresolved tension over the sport’s future direction.
The decisions made by Smith will likely impact NASCAR’s appeal, balancing tradition with modern entertainment demands. How drivers, teams, and fans respond to these transformations could shape NASCAR’s stability and growth in the years ahead, making the dynamic between Hamlin and Smith a critical barometer for the sport’s trajectory.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Since starting his full-time career in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin has become a renowned driver. He has achieved 51 Cup Series victories and won the Daytona 500 three times in 2016, 2019, and 2020, earning millions throughout his career.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is engaged to Jordan Fish. As a child, she loved dancing, which led to her performing for the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats. The team is now known as the Charlotte Hornets. While performing at a Bobcats game, she met Hamlin.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has built a net worth of about $65 million. This comes from his racing success, endorsement deals, team ownership, and real estate investments. Whether driving in races or managing a team, Hamlin consistently makes wise decisions both on and off the track.
Q. What happened between Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish?
A. Even though they faced some early problems and chaotic social media posts in 2021, Fish and Hamlin got back together soon after and have been happy since.