Denny Hamlin won at Dover International Speedway on Sunday but did not hold back on making sharp remarks about Ty Dillon after learning that the No. 32-seed secured a spot in the upcoming NASCAR In-Season Challenge finale. Dillon, the lowest-seeded driver in the event, defied expectations by reaching the final round set for next weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Dillon was initially considered a long shot in this inaugural competition, yet he managed to outperform several veteran drivers, including Hamlin himself, who crashed during the first race in Atlanta. Since then, Dillon continued to advance by knocking out seasoned competitors like Brad Keselowski, Alex Bowman, and John Hunter Nemechek on his road to the final.
Hamlin Questions Dillon’s Performance but Shows Personal Support
Despite Dillon’s remarkable run, Hamlin expressed skepticism about how impressive it truly was. Following his victory at Dover, Hamlin remarked on Dillon’s achievement with a critical tone:
Is he in the finals? You know what that tells me though… Had I got past Atlanta how easy was my trip going to be to the finals? Where’d he finish? 20th?!
Hamlin stated. He added,
Listen, I’m rooting for him personally, especially as the worst seed, right? But I think at Indy, he’s gonna need some help.
These comments revealed a competitive edge from Hamlin, though he openly acknowledged rooting for Dillon given the latter’s underdog status in the tournament.
Support Shifts to Ty Gibbs as Dillon’s Final Opponent Looms
Hamlin’s 23XI Racing teammate Tyler Reddick was also a contender until Ty Gibbs eliminated him at Dover. With Reddick out, Hamlin made it clear who he will be backing in the final showdown:
I’m all Ty [Gibbs] now. I wasn’t this week but it looks like he knocked out Tyler [Reddick],
Hamlin said. So, let’s go Ty Gibbs.
Ty Gibbs will face Dillon in the final race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, setting the stage for a dramatic clash between the lowest seed and one of Hamlin’s favored drivers.
Ty Dillon Embraces Underdog Role Despite Criticism
Despite Hamlin’s blunt remarks and other drivers’ doubts, Ty Dillon remains undeterred by the skepticism surrounding his performance in the NASCAR In-Season Challenge. Speaking to NBC Sports, Dillon expressed pride in his team’s persistence and strategy:
It feels good, Dillon said, regarding reaching the finals. You know, I have been the underdog for a long time now, just battling my way to try to get opportunity. Eventually you get comfortable in fighting from behind and people underestimating you.
It’s hard to say that we lucked into it this far in, and I am proud of the way we have run. We haven’t been a dominating car, but we have been a pain to everyone around us. That is all we can do — put pressure on them and execute at the right time and that is what we have done.
Dillon’s steady performance and ability to challenge stronger contenders have earned him a chance to complete what would be one of the biggest upsets in the history of this event.
Final Showdown Set for Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The NASCAR In-Season Challenge will culminate at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a track where Ty Dillon has previously experienced solid results in the Cup Series. This adds an intriguing layer to the finale, as Dillon aims to capitalize on a familiar venue in hopes of winning the first-ever In-Season Challenge.
With Ty Gibbs awaiting him, Dillon’s final test will determine if an underdog can defy the odds and take the title, forcing fellow drivers and fans alike to acknowledge his breakthrough performance. The outcome could have a meaningful impact on Dillon’s reputation and future opportunities within the NASCAR Cup Series.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Ty Dillon’s wife?
A. Recently, the Channel 4 soap opera announced that Dillon is the father of Leah Barnes’s new baby boy, James. In episodes set one year after a time jump, Leah had her baby, and many villagers thought Charlie Dean, who wasn’t around, was the dad.
Q. Who is older, Austin or Ty Dillon?
A. The older Dillon sibling, who is 27 (compared to Ty, who is 25), nearly chose a different career path instead of racing.