NASCAR Driver Denny Hamlin Attends Sensitivity Training Following 'A Poor Choice Of Memes'

NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin has been ordered to attend sensitivity training following a tweet he posted that contained a meme about Asian drivers. The tweet, which Hamlin has since deleted and apologized for, used a clip from Family Guy to mock his friend and opponent Kyle Larson (who is half-Japanese) after he made a move in his final turn that caused fellow driver Kurt Busch to crash.

Some fans of the sport posted on social networks like Twitter in defense of Hamlin, writing that the driver should not have been made to delete his tweet.

Should Denny Hamlin take sensitive training for a meme? Tell me in the comments below! 🗨️⬇️ #NASCAR #dennyhamlin pic.twitter.com/Ogxtrq93ai

— Jimmie Logano (@JimmieLogano) April 27, 2022

Others pointed out that the Hamlin tweet was indeed racist, and joked about the type of person defending the driver.

the comments on any post about denny hamlin right now pic.twitter.com/GuRiifXeM8

— Jordan (rimegepant) (@notcodyware) April 26, 2022

Not handled great my dude. Its not career ender, but lost some respect for you (despite the unintentional karma for Larson), particularly with initial doubling down followed by belated apology near midnight ET. Smells being slapped on the wrist by either sponsors, NASCAR, or both

— Mike P. (@MPsNewsDesk) April 26, 2022

a joke that’s accidentally racist is still racist. i know it wasn’t denny’s intention but it’s still good that he apologized.

— Jordan (rimegepant) (@notcodyware) April 26, 2022

Some also pointed out the irony of NASCAR, which airs on Fox, criticizing Hamlin for posting a clip from Family Guy, a show that also airs on Fox.

Fox: Airs racially insensitive clip on Family Guy NASCAR: Signs deal with FoxDenny Hamlin: Posts NASCAR clip with Family Guy clipNASCAR: TAKE SENSITIVITY TRAINING

— Chris Overland (@ChrisOverland47) April 26, 2022

This is the latest in a series of highly public incidents in which NASCAR continues to reckon with racism, attempting to change its reputation and become a more inclusive sport.