Well, it wasn't as aggressive as Martinsville, but it had an impact.
Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin were battling for position for much of the race at Phoenix when, while fighting for first, Elliott bumped Hamlin into the wall. While Hamlin was able to continue for a short while, the tire of his No. 11 blew, and with it, his day is done.
Was Chase Elliott's contact with Denny Hamlin retaliation? #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/UZdNnlT40r
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 12, 2017
Hamlin, on NBC, said, "I got into him (at Martinsville) and he choose to retaliate."
It will be interesting to see what Elliott has to say But both drivers were racing for a playoff spot, and coming into the race, many drivers noted the race would be hard fought.
I'm actually pretty shocked, I did not think Elliott would get him back. Whoa.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) November 12, 2017
Remember, at Martinsville, Hamlin bumped and spun Elliott and cost him his first Cup series win. Hamlin said it was good hard racing, and Elliott's team thought it was a dirty move.