“Tougher than a big boulder”: Kenny Wallace makes head-turning comment on JGR driver’s double retaliation 

Kenny Wallace, a retired NASCAR driver and FOX Sports personality, took to social media on Sunday to comment on Cup Series star Denny Hamlin advancing in the playoffs despite circumstances on and off the track. The Missouri native praised Hamlin, the driver of the #11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, for his toughness.

Hamlin finished 14th in Sunday's Bank of America ROVAL 400 at the Charlotte Roval. The result played a large part in the three-time Daytona 500 champion clinching a spot in the next round of the playoffs.

Wallace was impressed by Hamlin's mental fortitude, especially given the recent challenges he faced. Hamlin's ability to stay focused and perform well despite the lawsuit filed by his team's co-owner and the on-track incident with his teammate Tyler Reddick showcased his resilience and determination.

"Denny Hamlin, this guy is tougher than a big boulder. There was a saying I remember somebody said one time. 'If you throw a brick at me, I'm gonna throw a block back at you.' That's Denny Hamlin."

The 61-year-old said all the pre-race discussion centered on the lawsuit that Hamlin and fellow co-owner Michael Jordan, along with Front Row Motorsports, filed against NASCAR. The teams accused NASCAR of monopolization and violating the Sherman Antitrust Act after failing to reach a charter agreement. The two teams filed an injunction to maintain their charters during the legal proceedings and continue racing.

Wallace was impressed with how the Chesterfield native managed to put the off-track matters away and stay in the fight for a championship.

"I asked myself, 'How in the hell can Denny Hamlin can be mentally that strong and finish 14th today, after he got blindsided, coldcocked, knocked the hell out of, by the car he owns, Tyler Reddick?'" he said.

The nine-time Xfinity Series winner concluded by saying he doesn't understand how Hamlin can be so mentally tough, given the off-track legal battle and the frequent criticism from fans, adding:

"Denny Hamlin, you are the man. I can't believe that you're able to focus after all the bull**** you go through, but I really think that Michael Jordan has taught you an awful lot."

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Denny Hamlin seeking elusive first championship this season

Denny Hamlin has accomplished nearly everything possible in the Cup Series through his nineteen-year career. However, he is yet to hold a Cup Series championship trophy.

The 43-year-old has come close many times, with the closest being a runner-up finish to Jimmie Johnson in 2010. He's made four Championship 4 appearances, with the most recent being in 2021.

This season, Hamlin has posted three victories that all came early in the season at Bristol, Richmond, and Dover, respectively. He will start the Round of 8 next week at Las Vegas eight points behind the cut-line in sixth place. The experienced driver will be looking to end his wait for the elusive trophy.