Hamlin’s feud with track owner turns personal

April 6, 2024 at 2:14 a.m.

by JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer

Denny Hamlin celebrates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Caudill)
Denny Hamlin celebrates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Caudill)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- One of NASCAR's top track owners deleted social media posts made earlier Friday morning in a back-and-forth spat with top driver Denny Hamlin that began when Hamlin criticized the repaving of Sonoma Raceway in California.

Marcus Smith, chairman of the Speedway Motorsports conglomerate that owns 10 of the tracks on NASCAR's Cup Series schedule, took exception to Hamlin's post that pointed out a Thursday sports car test was canceled because of problems with the new surface on the California road course.

"When paving on a budget goes wrong," Hamlin posted on X, formerly Twitter, right before midnight Thursday.

He then suggested that North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina, which was revitalized by Speedway Motorsports and now hosts NASCAR's All-Star race, will face similar problems during next month's event.

Smith

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