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CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 12: Team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. addresses the media during the NASCAR Championship Format Announcement at NASCAR Productions Facility on January 12, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

The latest NASCAR storyline centers on rising tension between Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch, but Dale Earnhardt Jr. has offered a different view of what really happened. Speaking on his podcast, Earnhardt Jr. addressed the exchange that began when Hamlin questioned Busch’s current level in the NASCAR Cup Series.

The comments quickly drew a strong response from Busch during the Kansas Speedway weekend. While the situation appeared to be building into a personal feud, Earnhardt Jr. suggested the reaction may have come from a misunderstanding rather than direct conflict.

His breakdown shifts attention away from drama and toward context, timing, and performance issues that have shaped Busch’s recent NASCAR Cup Series results.

Dale Earnhardt Jr Says the Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch Issue is a Misunderstanding

On the Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr. explained why Kyle Busch’s reaction may not reflect the full situation involving Denny Hamlin. He believes Busch likely did not hear the full context of Hamlin’s podcast comments.

“I’ll bet you $100,000 his ass ain’t watched the 13 minutes of it. If anything, he probably got a text from somebody. Someone said, ‘Man, this guy’s talking shit about you.’”

Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that the original discussion came from Hamlin’s Actions Detrimental podcast, where the Joe Gibbs Racing driver spoke at length. In the NASCAR Cup Series, short clips often travel faster than full interviews, and that can change how comments are received. Earnhardt Jr. suggested that partial information may have shaped Busch’s response.

Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch Comments, and Richard Childress Racing Struggles in the NASCAR Cup Series

The situation began when Denny Hamlin questioned whether Kyle Busch remains a championship-level driver in the NASCAR Cup Series. He also said Busch may need to outperform teammate Austin Dillon to secure another top ride as his current deal continues.

At the same time, Hamlin praised Busch’s ability, calling him one of the greatest drivers and acknowledging his talent from their time as teammates. Busch responded during the Kansas Speedway weekend, saying Hamlin was “bashing” him. He suggested they switch cars and warned he could “make life hell” once racing begins.

Earnhardt Jr. shifted focus to performance issues at Richard Childress Racing. He noted that the team started strong after adding crew chief Jim Pohlman, but has struggled since.

“It’s odd to watch them struggle the way they have. Jim Pohlman went over there from here to be the crew chief. They came out of the gate with a great performance and qualifying at Daytona. It’s kind of been tough ever since.”

He also pointed to ongoing problems with the No. 8 car.

“Kyle keeps having problems every week. I think they would probably run just as good as Austin Dillon if they weren’t having the issues.”

The Spotlight Remains on Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch after Dale Earnhardt Jr Comments

Despite the exchange, Dale Earnhardt Jr. made it clear that Kyle Busch remains one of the top drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series.

“Kyle is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Dude is still a badass race car driver. He’s just not having a good time right now.”

The comments come during a key stretch of the NASCAR Cup Series season. Busch has shown speed at times but has not delivered consistent results, while Denny Hamlin has added further public praise to ease tension.

Earnhardt Jr.’s explanation highlights how quickly situations can escalate in NASCAR when comments are shared without full context. As the NASCAR Cup Series continues, attention remains on both drivers as they return to the track.