Denny Hamlin is an elite NASCAR driver and outspoken Ohio State Buckeyes fan. There are plenty of rumors on the internet and comments in media about why and how his Buckeye fandom started, but it got far more intense this season. After winning his first race of the year this seaon back in March, he waved an “11 Against the World” flag (his car is No.11).
Hamlin certainly outdid himself this race, though. He made a late pass for the lead and held on to win his third race of the season (and 57th overall career win) at Michigan International Speedway, in Brooklyn, MI (about 40 miles from the Ohio border). He then threw up an O-H to the stands twice after getting out of his car to celebrate the win. Fans were still cheering, but that moment got some predictable boos. All in all, NASCAR fans still love him, but Buckeye fans will probably love him even more for now.
This is not the first time Hamlin has good-naturedly angered crowds when he travels to races. He recently threw a “Horns Down” sign before his race in Michigan a month ago. He finished that race 38th.