Hamlin and Jones Settle Darlington Clash Quickly

NASCAR drivers avoid post-race drama after on-track incident at Goodyear 400

Mar. 23, 2026 at 12:18am

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Denny Hamlin and Erik Jones were involved in a Lap 111 incident at the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway, but the two NASCAR drivers quickly settled the matter without any lingering tension or drama after the race. Hamlin made contact with Jones, spinning him into the wall, but both drivers acknowledged it was a racing mistake and had a brief conversation to clear the air.

Why it matters

Incidents between drivers at NASCAR races can sometimes escalate into feuds that carry over to future events, but Hamlin and Jones handled this situation in a professional manner, demonstrating how competitors can move past on-track contact without letting it become a bigger issue.

The details

On Lap 111, Hamlin was working the inside line entering Turn 3 when he made contact with Jones, driving for the Legacy Motor Club team. The contact turned Jones around and sent him into the outside wall, bringing out a caution. Hamlin's car also picked up minor damage in the incident, but all three drivers, including Bubba Wallace who was running close behind, were able to continue.

  • The incident occurred on Lap 111 of the 293-lap Goodyear 400 race at Darlington Raceway.
  • After the race, Hamlin and Jones had a brief conversation to discuss and clear the air about the incident.

The players

Denny Hamlin

NASCAR driver competing for Joe Gibbs Racing, involved in the Lap 111 incident with Erik Jones.

Erik Jones

NASCAR driver competing for Legacy Motor Club, involved in the Lap 111 incident with Denny Hamlin.

Bubba Wallace

NASCAR driver competing for 23XI Racing, was running close behind Hamlin and Jones and brushed the wall while avoiding the spinning car.

Tyler Reddick

NASCAR driver who won the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway, leading 77 laps including the final 28.

Brad Keselowski

NASCAR driver who led 142 laps and swept both stages, but finished second behind Reddick.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, we talked after the race, and I assumed it was a mistake, which he said it was. It's an unfortunate mistake for us.”

— Erik Jones, NASCAR Driver

“He let me go in Turns 1 and 2, then I went to run the bottom. He said he wanted to run the bottom as well and just cleaned me out. He said sorry, and that's about all you can do.”

— Erik Jones, NASCAR Driver

What’s next

The NASCAR Cup Series will head to the next race on the schedule, which is the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26, 2026.

The takeaway

The quick resolution between Denny Hamlin and Erik Jones after their on-track incident at Darlington Raceway demonstrates how professional NASCAR drivers can move past racing contact without letting it escalate into a larger feud, which is a positive example for the sport.