In the aftermath of the recent NASCAR Cup Series drama, a new debate has taken center stage: what exactly counts as race manipulation? Two of the sport’s biggest names, Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano, have found themselves on opposite sides of the argument, calling for clarity on what teams can and can’t communicate to drivers during high-stakes races.
The discussion has become one of NASCAR’s hottest talking points, especially as playoff battles grow tighter and every strategic move is scrutinized. Hamlin and Logano, both championship-caliber drivers, agree that there’s a gray area, but differ on how far team guidance should go before it crosses the line into manipulation.
Joey Logano: “It’s a Slippery Slope Either Way”
Joey Logano, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, spoke candidly about the issue in an interview with Cup Scene, saying that the sport must find a balance between fairness and strategy.
“It’s a slippery slope either way, because where is the line? Is just telling somebody where you are in points and what’s going on around you, is that too far? Saying straight-up what to do is probably too far. We can kind of understand that, but just saying what the point situation is, I don’t think that’s too far, in my opinion,” Logano said via Cup Scene.
Logano went on to clarify that information alone shouldn’t be viewed as manipulation, arguing that it still leaves room for drivers to make their own calls.
“At that point, it’s up to the driver to make the best decisions for whatever they’re trying to accomplish, which is usually winning the race. I think just feeding someone data still leaves it in the driver’s hands to do what they please with it. It’s just giving information. That’s all you’re doing,” he added.
For Logano, team communication is an essential part of modern NASCAR — and banning it entirely would blur the line between strategic awareness and control.
Denny Hamlin: “How’s It Any Different?”
Denny Hamlin, one of NASCAR’s most outspoken veterans, pushed back on Logano’s stance, pointing out that strategy-based choices already exist in the sport, especially on superspeedways.
“How’s it any different than like a superspeedway? If I know I can’t win, I’m picking which car I’m going to push to the finish. I’m probably going to push the one that I think is. I don’t want to get five bonus points, so we always have those scenarios where we’re picking and choosing who we’re helping, but that and the wrecking for sure,” Hamlin said.
Hamlin’s perspective highlights the complexity of NASCAR team dynamics, where cooperation and competition often overlap. His point suggests that strategic assistance, whether through data or drafting, is already part of the game.
Where NASCAR Stands
While NASCAR has cracked down on blatant race manipulation in recent seasons, this renewed debate shows the rulebook still leaves too much room for interpretation. Both drivers agree on one thing: the sport needs clearer communication rules to avoid confusion and controversy during crucial playoff races.
In Logano’s words,
“Like I said, I think if you’re just saying what’s going on, it’s probably OK, I think. I do think there are some gray lines of, to your point, where is the black and white of this you can do and this you can’t do. I’m sure we could probably tighten some of that up a little bit and just help us understand that.”
As the NASCAR playoffs continue, this conversation isn’t likely to die down soon. The fine line between strategy and manipulation may ultimately shape how future championships are won — or lost.
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