[LSC9901]

DOVER, Del. – Perhaps it was best Kyle Petty and Denny Hamlin never stood toe-to-toe.
Given the chance, Hamlin said their altercation in the garage area during Sunday’s Dodge Dealers 400 at Dover International Speedway could have escalated into much more.
“Don’t smack me in the helmet. You smack me in the helmet I’m going to punch you in the face,” Hamlin said following the race. “I’d like for him to call me sometime this week before next race.

That's Racin' | 09/23/2007 | Hamlin vs. Petty goes but so far

[jks812]

In my opinion, the wreck was Denny's fault. But he's a chase driver and can do no wrong. I don't think Kyle should have went to his area right then. Think maybe he should have cooled down and waited til after the race to talk to Denny. Boy I didn't know until this year that Kyle could get mad like he does.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by jks812

In my opinion, the wreck was Denny's fault. But he's a chase driver and can do no wrong. I don't think Kyle should have went to his area right then. Think maybe he should have cooled down and waited til after the race to talk to Denny. Boy I didn't know until this year that Kyle could get mad like he does.

Kyle has definitely exploded a couple of times this year but as he noted he is racing for his life also. He needs to be in the top 35 and when something like that happens it makes it tough. NASCAR officials need to be more alert when one driver heads to anothers area after an incident. I gotta believe that no one thought that Kyle was going over to Denny to discuss the weather.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

NASCAR officials need to be more alert when one driver heads to anothers area after an incident. I gotta believe that no one thought that Kyle was going over to Denny to discuss the weather.

Ah, but didn't they think it was "cool" when Montoya and Harvick nearly squared off? Maybe they're in no hurry to break stuff like this up.

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Ah, but didn't they think it was "cool" when Montoya and Harvick nearly squared off? Maybe they're in no hurry to break stuff like this up.

Sure makes for good highlight reels.

[LSC9901]

I don't know if the term "cool" was ever used by NASACAR but one day someone will get hurt and some overweight dummy NASCAR official will be on tape just standing there watching it all happen .... then and only then it'll all change.

[jks812]

Helton or Darby one said it was " cool as hell " when Harvick and Montoya had their lil shove match. They also said the fans wanted to see stuff like that. Well this fan don't, I rather see racing on the track.

[Phils20]

I don't think Petty should have gone into his garage area. It has often been said that pretty much an unwritten rule.

I have a ton of respect for Kyle, but he of all folks should recognize those traditions. If anyone else had gone over there like that, they would have more than likely been jacked up by the crew members.

I would have respected it more if he had gone over after the race as well. It doesn't take a lot of courage to smack someone in the helmet when they are strapped in the car.

I do think Denny was wrong, and I'm not really a fan of his, but I see his point.

But I do understand the emotions of it as well.

I will be interested to see how things develop over the week. And if it comes to blows, I hope Kyle kicks his #$%!!!

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Phils20

It doesn't take a lot of courage to smack someone in the helmet when they are strapped in the car.

I do think Denny was wrong, and I'm not really a fan of his, but I see his point.

But I do understand the emotions of it as well.

I will be interested to see how things develop over the week. And if it comes to blows, I hope Kyle kicks his #$%!!!

I would say smackin him in the helmet was more out of frustration and a "Damn Whipper Snapper" moment. You noticed Kyle walked off until Denny went to get out of the car, then Kyle turned around. Denny better apologize to Kyle for wreckin him and leave it at that. Kyle could get him back really quick.

[wardfan]

Hamlin waited awhile after Kyle was gone by the time he put on a show of getting out of his car to go after him.

[nascarfan24]

Yeah, he was trying to be dramatic without actually having the slightest chance of maybe getting slightly hurt. But I agree with Denny's anger, you do not smack another driver's helmet or slam his visor shut.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by nascarfan24

But I agree with Denny's anger, you do not smack another driver's helmet or slam his visor shut.

Well, even in his fit of anger he was man enough to take the helmet off

[McMurray26]

hmm i think it is funny that all of you are saying hamlin waited till kyle was gone to act tough...

but are we forgetting that kyle petty went over there while hamlin was in his car...

way to act tough while hamlin is buckled into his car...

[jks812]

Originally Posted by McMurray26

hmm i think it is funny that all of you are saying hamlin waited till kyle was gone to act tough...

but are we forgetting that kyle petty went over there while hamlin was in his car...

way to act tough while hamlin is buckled into his car...

Kyle said he just went over there to have a talk with him. Denny was the one that said if you slap his helmet he'll punch you in the face. And no Denny do didn't anything while Kyle was there but have trouble getting his gloves off.

[jks812]

Originally Posted by nascarfan24

Yeah, he was trying to be dramatic without actually having the slightest chance of maybe getting slightly hurt. But I agree with Denny's anger, you do not smack another driver's helmet or slam his visor shut.

But it's ok to put one in the wall, after he's given you room to go around him?
I liked Denny. But now he's in the same catagory as Johnson, I'd love to see him hit the wall every race now.