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Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin became the first driver to get caught out during the 2024 GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway today.
The #11 Toyota Camry XSE driver was seen spinning out as the Florida native approached the pit road alongside a pack of cars for the first round of green flag pit stops.
Watch the video here:
Denny Hamlin was seen trying to save his car from spinning out as he wrestled with his car. However, after multiple attempts at controlling his car from behind the wheel, Hamlin was seen spinning out and tapping the #42 Toyota Camry XSE of John Hunter Nemechek.
The contact between the two cars did not leave any damage on the Legacy Motor Club driver's car, whereas Hamlin's team was seen repairing the latter's steering system during a subsequent pit stop.
With heavy rains preceding Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway, damp patches and puddles of water were seen at the entrance of the pit road, catching drivers out during the 500-mile-long event. The racetrack itself was deemed safe to race on with a completely dry surface.
NASCAR fans react to Denny Hamlin's spin during the 2024 GEICO 500
NASCAR fans reacted to Denny Hamlin's surprise spin as the Joe Gibbs Racing driver attempted to enter the pit road at Talladega Superspeedway for the first round of pit stops on Sunday.
With the #11 Toyota Camry XSE driver locking up his wheels and losing control due to a puddle of water at the entrance of the pit road, Hamlin was seen spinning out and he narrowly avoided major damage during the event.
Fans reacted to the incident in typical unabashed fashion, with one fan writing on X (formerly Twitter):
"America loves that"
"Breaking News: NASCAR fans cheer with happiness!!" another fan wrote.
"America won," added another fan.
"42 was like “GET AWAY FROM MEEEE”" exclaimed another
It now remains to be seen how well Denny Hamlin can recover from his spin during stage one of the 2024 GEICO 500 and where the #11 Toyota driver will finish at the end of the 500-mile-long event.
