Denny Hamlin expressed surprise over NASCAR’s decision to fine Ryan Preece $50,000 and dock him 25 points, arguing the penalty should be overturned or at least reduced upon appeal. However, speaking from personal experience, Hamlin admitted the odds are heavily stacked against the driver.
The penalty stemmed from NASCAR’s belief that Preece intentionally wrecked Ty Gibbs at Texas Motor Speedway, based on radio comments and SMT data. Preece has repeatedly stated he simply refused to give Gibbs a break, given their previous racing history.
No appeal date has been set yet.
During his *Actions Detrimental* podcast, Hamlin echoed Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s sentiment that NASCAR had made the wrong call.
“People think, ‘Oh, they have appeals and stuff,’ but we did a podcast after ours a couple of years ago—it’s not a fair fight,” Hamlin said. “It’s not broadcast for a reason. I think he has a legitimate chance of getting it overturned based on facts and evidence.
“But I find it interesting they’re now using SMT as evidence. When I brought it up before, they said, ‘SMT is a very non-scientific way of looking at things, we don’t put much faith in it.’ And you can’t rebut anything when they present their side to this independent panel.
“There’s no ‘I object, that’s not true.’ You can’t say that. You have to sit there and let them say whatever they want. The process isn’t fair for those appealing.”
Hamlin also criticized NASCAR’s use of radio scanner audio as justification for punishing Preece.
“We say that stuff all the time—‘When I get back to him, he’s going to get it.’ Drivers say it constantly, right? When Preece said, ‘I’m done with him,’ what does that even mean?”
Additionally, Hamlin pointed out the inconsistency: NASCAR chose not to penalize Kyle Busch for last-lap contact with John Hunter Nemechek, using SMT data in Busch’s favor.
“I heard them explain, ‘Well, after he got damage, he had to turn left to go straight according to the SMT.’ So now SMT is a reliable source. They’ve changed their minds.”
