Hamlin Rips 'Cowards' After Heim Scuffle

Denny Hamlin, a co-owner of 23XI Racing, has voiced strong disapproval regarding an altercation involving driver Corey Heim at Martinsville.

Following a late-model stock-car race on Saturday, September 26, Heim was reportedly attacked by three crew members from Chad Bryant Racing. Hamlin expressed his outrage on his podcast, "Actions Detrimental," calling the incident "complete classlessness" and those involved "cowards."

Hamlin, who is preparing for Heim's full-time Cup Series debut with 23XI next season, is urging NASCAR to impose stern penalties on Bryant's team. He believes that the individuals responsible should face a ban from pit lane for at least a year and wants NASCAR to publicly state their disciplinary measures.

The incident occurred after a wreck during the cool-down lap involving Heim and Treyton Lapcevich, whose car initiated contact. As Heim was heading to his hauler, Bryant and two other crew members allegedly threw punches. Heim appeared to evade the attacks and did not retaliate, later posting lighthearted responses on social media.

Deputies from the Henry County Sheriff's Office intervened and broke up the scuffle. Heim was escorted out of the track for his safety. Lapcevich later issued a statement on X, acknowledging that the post-race events were wrong and unacceptable, though he stated he was not directly involved in the physical altercation.