Denny Hamlin playfully interacted with NBA rookie Cooper Flagg before the NASCAR Texas race on May 3. Hamlin, starting fourth, got on Flagg's bumper while he drove the pace car.
Key points
Denny Hamlin interacted with Cooper Flagg before the race
Hamlin started in fourth place
Cooper Flagg drove a 2026 Chevrolet Corvette
The event took place on May 3
NASCAR drivers often engage in playful interactions
2026 Chevrolet CorvetteDenny HamlinCooper FlaggNASCAR Texas race
Watch Denny Hamlin get on Cooper Flagg's bumper before NASCAR Texas race
NASCAR Cup driver Denny Hamlin playfully interacted with NBA rookie Cooper Flagg, the honorary pace car driver, before the start of the NASCAR Texas race on May 3.
Hamlin pulled out of his fourth-place starting position and next to Flagg, who was driving a 2026 Chevrolet Corvette. Hamlin then slowed, moved into the same lane Flagg was in, and got on his bumper before the green flag.
NASCAR Cup Series drivers are known for some good-natured ribbing at times when a well-known figure is in the pace car.
Flagg, a former Duke star, is especially popular in Texas. He is a 6-foot-9 forward for the Dallas Mavericks and was recently named the NBA rookie of the week.
Hamlin moved from fourth the first early in the Würth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway.
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 Chumba Casino Toyota, Riley Herbst, driver of the #35 FRE Nicotine Pouches Toyota, and Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Choice Privileges Chevrolet, attend the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: (L-R) Daniel Suarez, driver of the #7 Freeway Insurance Chevrolet, and Todd Gilliland, driver of the #34 Love's Travel Stops Ford, attend the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Q&A
What happened between Denny Hamlin and Cooper Flagg at the NASCAR Texas race?
Denny Hamlin playfully got on Cooper Flagg's bumper while Flagg was driving the pace car before the NASCAR Texas race.
When did Denny Hamlin interact with Cooper Flagg before the NASCAR race?
The interaction took place on May 3, before the NASCAR Texas race.
What car did Cooper Flagg drive as the pace car for the NASCAR Texas race?
Cooper Flagg drove a 2026 Chevrolet Corvette as the pace car.
What is the significance of Cooper Flagg being the pace car driver?
Cooper Flagg's role as the honorary pace car driver highlights the crossover between sports, showcasing interactions between NASCAR and the NBA.
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FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Discount Tire Ford, attends the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Discount Tire Ford, attends the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Cooper Flagg poses for a photo with Noah Gragson, driver of the #4 Rush Truck Centers Ford, during the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Discount Tire Ford, attends the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Discount Tire Ford, attends the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Cooper Flagg attends the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Cooper Flagg poses for a photo with Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Discount Tire Ford, during the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Choice Privileges Chevrolet, and Riley Herbst, driver of the #35 FRE Nicotine Pouches Toyota, attend the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 Chumba Casino Toyota, attends the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Choice Privileges Chevrolet, greets a young fan during the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Insurance Toyota, and Todd Gilliland, driver of the #34 Love's Travel Stops Ford, attend the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: A general view during the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Michael McDowell, driver of the #71 Modo Casino Chevrolet, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Austin Cindric, driver of the #2 Freightliner Ford, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Choice Privileges Chevrolet, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Ty Gibbs, driver of the #54 Interstate Batteries Toyota, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Insurance Toyota, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Insurance Toyota, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Chase Briscoe, driver of the #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Daniel Suarez, driver of the #7 Freeway Insurance Chevrolet, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 Chumba Casino Toyota, Riley Herbst, driver of the #35 FRE Nicotine Pouches Toyota, and Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Choice Privileges Chevrolet, attend the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
1 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 Chumba Casino Toyota, Riley Herbst, driver of the #35 FRE Nicotine Pouches Toyota, and Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Choice Privileges Chevrolet, attend the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
2 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: (L-R) Daniel Suarez, driver of the #7 Freeway Insurance Chevrolet, and Todd Gilliland, driver of the #34 Love's Travel Stops Ford, attend the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
3 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Discount Tire Ford, attends the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
4 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Discount Tire Ford, attends the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
5 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Cooper Flagg poses for a photo with Noah Gragson, driver of the #4 Rush Truck Centers Ford, during the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
6 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Discount Tire Ford, attends the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
7 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Discount Tire Ford, attends the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Cooper Flagg attends the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Cooper Flagg poses for a photo with Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Discount Tire Ford, during the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
10 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Choice Privileges Chevrolet, and Riley Herbst, driver of the #35 FRE Nicotine Pouches Toyota, attend the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
11 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 Chumba Casino Toyota, attends the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
12 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Choice Privileges Chevrolet, greets a young fan during the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
13 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Insurance Toyota, and Todd Gilliland, driver of the #34 Love's Travel Stops Ford, attend the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
14 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: A general view during the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
15 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Michael McDowell, driver of the #71 Modo Casino Chevrolet, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
16 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Austin Cindric, driver of the #2 Freightliner Ford, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
17 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Choice Privileges Chevrolet, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
18 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Ty Gibbs, driver of the #54 Interstate Batteries Toyota, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
19 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Insurance Toyota, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
20 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
21 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Insurance Toyota, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
22 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Chase Briscoe, driver of the #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
23 / 23
NASCAR Texas race best photos from Wurth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Daniel Suarez, driver of the #7 Freeway Insurance Chevrolet, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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