Jeff Gordon singles out NASCAR star doing 'great job' on and off track

Sian Jones Fri, July 31, 2026 at 10:12 AM UTC

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Jeff Gordon praised Denny Hamlin for his work on and off the track (Image: Getty Images)

Jeff Gordon has singled out Denny Hamlin, praising him for not only his performances on the track but also the work he does away from racing.

Gordon helped transform NASCAR after bursting onto the Cup Series scene in 1993. The four-time champion won the inaugural Brickyard 400 in 1994 before claiming his first Cup title a year later, becoming one of the sport's biggest stars and a polarizing figure who attracted a new generation of fans.

Appearing on Racin' with the Boys with Will Compton and Delanie Walker this week, Gordon was asked what it would take for NASCAR to recreate that level of mainstream popularity today.

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When asked about what can create the same popularity in modern racing, Gordon pointed to veteran driver Hamlin as an example of someone doing everything right, praising both his performances on the track and his willingness to speak his mind.

"I wish it was an easy answer," said Gordon. "It's tricky, right? Because the evolution of aerodynamics and race cars is making it harder for somebody to dominate. And I think you've got to have the lightning in the bottle personality or connection to a fan base that kind of creates that.

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Gordon pointed to Denny Hamlin as an example of someone doing everything right (Image: Getty Images)

"But you've got to back it up with the winning on the racetrack. And it's just, I mean, right now you've got Denny Hamlin, right? I feel like he's doing a great job on the track. He doesn't mind speaking his mind.

"And so it's easy for that to create some rivalries or to create a like or dislike. Everybody respects him because of his talent. But I think what he says off the track, you're either going to love it or hate it."

The conversation soon turned to Carson Hocevar, who has repeatedly been described as "lightning in a bottle" because of his raw talent and personality. Gordon said he wants Hocevar to succeed and believes NASCAR needs stars like him, but stressed that the young driver must start winning races if he is going to reach his full potential.

He added: "I think Denny's adding a lot of value to the sport right now. But young guys, I mean, I know everybody's focused on Hocevar. But I want him to be successful. I want him to win more because we need him. We need that, especially if he's willing to put himself out there like that. And listen, he was up at the Met Gala, and I think he was around the ESPYs. Like he's doing all the right things and NASCAR's helping to get him in the right places.

"But if he doesn't have more wins, then it's only going to take the sport so far. So, to me, it's a combination of the Hamlins, the Chase Elliotts, the Kyle Larsons, Carson Hocevars. You've got to have a handful of guys that are bringing something unique and special. And I think we've got a good group. We've got some good momentum happening right now. But I think for Hocevar to really stand out, he's got to win more."

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Source: “AOL Sports”