Denny Hamlin won his third NASCAR Cup Series race of the season on Sunday, and he continued to embrace the villain role following his latest triumph.
Hamlin took home the checkered flag at the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway, which marked his third career win at the track. The 44-year-old led just five total laps and moved into first with three laps to go after William Byron had to make a pit stop for fuel.
Hamlin is a heel who loves provoking fans. He also happens to be a huge Ohio State fan, as he admittedly jumped on the Buckeye bandwagon during the team’s national championship season last year.
After he won on Sunday, Hamlin taunted Michigan fans with an Ohio State gesture:
Never change, @dennyhamlin. 😂 pic.twitter.com/BJFwUrBtd6
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 8, 2025
Hamlin also encouraged the boos with his famous “I beat your favorite driver” phrase.
"I beat your favorite driver."@dennyhamlin has fun with the crowd after his win in Michigan 👀 #NASCARonPrime pic.twitter.com/wDTw9C3l1D
— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) June 8, 2025
Hamlin is a fairly new Ohio State fan
Hamlin said he has several friends who are big Ohio State fans, which is why he began supporting the Buckeyes. He held up a flag after winning the Cook Out 400 earlier this year that said “11 Against the World.” The flag was inspired by the “Ohio Against the World” mantra that the Buckeyes embraced during their national championship run.
🙋🏻♂️ 1 – 🌎 0 pic.twitter.com/dgdrt9E1HF
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) March 30, 2025
Hamlin attended several Ohio State games last year. He and a friend were shown on the ESPN broadcast holding an “Ohio Against the World” flag during the Buckeyes’ win over Texas in the College Football Playoff.
NASCAR on ESPN IS BACK pic.twitter.com/i3aZxF6ZLh
— nascarcasm (@nascarcasm) January 11, 2025
Hamlin loves antagonizing fans
Hamlin has openly trolled NASCAR fans numerous times in the past. The 57-time Cup Series winner is almost like a WWE personality.
No driver at NASCAR’s All-Star Race was booed more loudly than Hamlin last year. He obviously wants to make sure that continues, which is smart marketing on his part.
With Hamlin being an Ohio State fan, Sunday’s win was the perfect opportunity to turn even more fans against him.
