Denny Hamlin: Chris Buescher ‘not that kind of guy’ to throw a punch

Denny Hamlin provided some fascinating commentary on Chris Buescher following NASCAR’s trip to Darlington Raceway over the weekend.

First, the No. 11 wheelman explained why he believes Buescher wasn’t necessarily wrong for being annoyed with Tyler Reddick at the end of the race, but it’s something the No. 17 is going to have to get used to, as he becomes more of a star in the Cup Series each week.

“It seems that way,” Hamlin stated, during the latest episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast, responding to the fact that Buescher needs to get used to the aggressiveness if he’s going to be a contender week-in and week-out. “I mean, you can just hope — they’re hoping, that they just take this momentum, and Chris was right when he said, ‘Hey, if we keep putting ourselves in this position, we’ll get ours,’ and so I think he’s correct in that. If you keep running up front, you will get yours.

“Yes, you didn’t get it for two straight weeks here. The first week was probably a little bit more in his control than this one, for sure. But the Law of Averages, it all works out.”

That makes sense, and Hamlin certainly knows what he’s talking about on that front. As for the post-race altercation, Hamlin saw Buescher push Reddick, but no punches were thrown, which lines up with what Hamlin expects from the No. 17.

“He came up to his car, as Reddick is undressing his head. It’s not like Reddick kept his helmet on just to keep from getting punched., I think Buescher would probably be the last person I expect that from, just because he, in my opinion, isn’t that kind of guy,” Hamlin added. “But you know, I think that, you know, he gave him a little shove there just to let him know, but he quickly calmed down.

“Like, Buescher quickly put his emotions back in check. Sure, he was still upset in his interview and what not, but he still wasn’t, he didn’t completely lose his mind.”

Not that Hamlin thinks Buescher won’t stand up for himself, but the No. 17 wheelman got his point across without having to resort to punching Reddick. That was more effective than anything. Besides, who would want to get clocked by Buescher? He’s a big dude for a NASCAR driver.

Alas, Chris Buescher will have plenty of other chances to win races, this season and beyond. He’ll likely be racing Denny Hamlin for some wins. We’ll see if the No. 17 changes their style late in the race when the time comes next opportunity.