Hamlin Weighs In on Chastain-Suárez Beef After Las Vegas Race

NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin shares his thoughts on the confrontation between Ross Chastain and Daniel Suárez.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:39pm

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Denny Hamlin commented on the confrontation between NASCAR drivers Ross Chastain and Daniel Suárez after the Las Vegas race, wishing Chastain would have provided more details to the media about the incident. Hamlin also speculated on who would win in a fight between the two drivers, noting the size and strength differences between them.

Why it matters

The beef between Chastain and Suárez, former teammates at Trackhouse Racing, is a developing storyline in the NASCAR Cup Series that fans are eager to learn more about. Hamlin's comments provide additional context and analysis around the incident.

The details

According to the report, Chastain and Suárez got into a confrontation after making contact during the cooldown lap at the Las Vegas race on Sunday. Chastain appeared to shove Suárez before the two were separated. Hamlin wished Chastain would have provided more details to the media about the incident, saying "it would be fantastic if he would just give us something to work with, but he's not going to let us in." Hamlin also speculated on who would win in a fight between the two drivers, noting the size and strength differences, and saying "Suárez might catch one in the chin, but if it doesn't hobble him, I think he gets pummeled because of the size difference."

  • The incident occurred on Sunday, March 16, 2026 after the Las Vegas NASCAR race.

The players

Denny Hamlin

A NASCAR driver who commented on the confrontation between Ross Chastain and Daniel Suárez.

Ross Chastain

A NASCAR driver who got into a confrontation with Daniel Suárez after the Las Vegas race.

Daniel Suárez

A NASCAR driver who got into a confrontation with Ross Chastain after the Las Vegas race.

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What they’re saying

“Sitting in this room, there's three media members here. We would love to have a quote that we could run with. But it just feels like Ross is… When there's something that happened, he's just gonna give it to you. …For the sport, storylines, it would be fantastic if he would just give us something to work with, but he's not going to let us in.”

— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver (on3.com)

“Well, I'm different, I'm going to talk s**t anytime I can. I mean, if I have an opportunity or if I have a beef with a diver, I'm going to dig the knife when I can. But that's just my personality, and I do it with my closest friends.”

— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver (on3.com)

“I like Ross' chances of connection because he seems like he's very good at that. But I think just eventually strength comes in. Yeah, Suárez might catch one in the chin, but if it doesn't hobble him, I think he gets pummeled because of the size difference. Listen, there's not a giant-sized difference, but I think there's more likely a strength difference.”

— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver (on3.com)

What’s next

The NASCAR community will likely continue to follow the developing storyline between Chastain and Suárez, with fans and media eager to hear more details from the drivers themselves about the confrontation.

The takeaway

Hamlin's comments highlight the media's desire for more transparency from drivers like Chastain when it comes to on-track incidents and off-track drama, as these types of storylines are important for generating fan interest and engagement in the sport.