Denny Hamlin Tells Podcast Co-Host to 'Shut Up' Over NASCAR Easter Race Idea

The debate over NASCAR racing on Easter Sunday continues to stir controversy within the sport.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:54pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a NASCAR race scene, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes that deconstruct the action into an abstract, conceptual representation.A cubist interpretation of the heated debate around NASCAR racing on Easter Sunday, reflecting the divisive emotions and contrasting perspectives within the sport.Bristol Today

NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin engaged in a heated social media exchange with his podcast co-host Travis Rockhold, who suggested that Easter Sunday would be a perfect time for a Cup Series race. Hamlin bluntly told Rockhold to 'shut up' in response, highlighting the ongoing division within the sport over whether to hold races on the holiday.

Why it matters

The debate over NASCAR racing on Easter Sunday has been a contentious issue for years, with some within the sport arguing it is not helpful for ticket sales or TV viewership, while others believe it could work if properly established as a tradition. Hamlin's forceful reaction underscores the strong feelings on both sides of this issue.

The details

Rockhold tweeted that 'Right now would be a perfect time for a Cup race' on Easter Sunday. Hamlin quickly responded by telling him to 'Stfu', or 'shut the f**k up'. This exchange went viral, drawing attention to the ongoing debate around NASCAR's approach to scheduling races on the holiday. In the past, NASCAR has experimented with Easter Sunday races at tracks like Bristol and Richmond, but the long-term results did not justify keeping the date on the schedule. NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. has also weighed in, arguing that 'Racing on Easter is not helpful' and that it's not a tradition that would benefit the sport.

  • On April 5, 2026, Denny Hamlin's podcast co-host Travis Rockhold suggested on Twitter that Easter Sunday would be a 'perfect time for a Cup race'.
  • Denny Hamlin responded to Rockhold's tweet later that same day, telling him to 'Stfu'.

The players

Denny Hamlin

A veteran NASCAR driver and Hamlin's co-host on a podcast.

Travis Rockhold

Denny Hamlin's podcast co-host who suggested Easter Sunday would be a good time for a NASCAR Cup Series race.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

A NASCAR Hall of Famer who has argued that racing on Easter is 'not helpful' for the sport.

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What they’re saying

“Stfu”

— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver

“Racing on Easter is not helpful. I know other sports play on Easter and other things happen but I'm not going to those. I'm not ever going to be at a sporting event on Easter holiday, I'm not. Not happening. It's not entirely necessary that we do that. That is not going to help your walkup crowd, your ticket sales, that is not going to help. And I don't think it really helps your TV audience. People are doing s**t on Easter.”

— Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer

What’s next

NASCAR will likely continue to evaluate whether to hold races on Easter Sunday, weighing the potential benefits against the concerns raised by drivers and fans.

The takeaway

The debate over NASCAR racing on Easter Sunday remains a divisive issue within the sport, with strong opinions on both sides. Denny Hamlin's blunt response to his co-host's suggestion highlights the ongoing tensions, and NASCAR will need to carefully consider the tradition, fan sentiment, and potential impacts as it decides the future of the holiday weekend.