“Following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event last Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway, Denny Hamlin made some disparaging remarks about the on-track racing that had taken place that afternoon,” a written statement from NASCAR said. “While NASCAR gives its competitors ample leeway in voicing their opinions when it comes to a wide range of aspects about the sport, the sanctioning body will not tolerate publicly made comments by its drivers that denigrate the racing product.”

Hamlin has drawn NASCAR’s ire with a critical comment about the new Gen-6 race car. Since the announcement, Hamlin has refused to pay the fine, saying that he’ll sit out a race before paying the $25,000.

– Photo courtesy of Getty Images for NASCAR

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