The 20 Most Entertaining Driver Confrontations In NASCAR History

12. Charlotte 2008 – Denny Hamlin and crew vs. Brad Keselowski and crew (w/ Dale Earnhardt Jr.)

The Setup:

Nationwide Series (now Xfinity), Joe Gibbs Racing be thy name. Since switching to Toyota in 2008, JGR has run roughshod over the competition in the Nationwide/Xfinity Series, largely in part to Kyle Busch’s efforts. However, teammate Denny Hamlin also won his fair share, and at Charlotte in May 2008 he was on a mission to get another win for JGR.

However, JR Motorsports driver Brad Keselowski was also in the hunt for the win, but when he took exception to the way Hamlin raced him late in the going, he decided to convey his frustrations to the No. 20.

The Fallout: 

Keselowski decided to jack the rear of the No. 20 before pulling up beside him to relay a message. However, Hamlin took exception to the No. 88 and door-slammed him, ruining his fender. Dale Earnhardt Jr., running fourth behind this mess, sped up and rammed the No. 20.

When the checkered flag dropped, it was Busch with the win while Hamlin and Keselowski finished second and third. However, when both made it to pit road, their respective crews converged and were ready to throw down. Pushing and shoving ensued, as did some colorful exchanges, but nothing major happened between the crews. Of course, this was the start of one of the more colorful rivalries in recent memory.

Next: Michigan 2003