Denny Hamlin compares winning as owner after Bubba Wallace captured a dramatic victory for 23XI Racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, marking the ninth Cup Series win in the team’s history. On Sunday, Hamlin shared his insights into why success as a NASCAR team owner feels deeply different—and more challenging—when compared to his storied achievements as a driver.
While Bubba Wallace’s victory gave the team its first win of the year, it also stood in contrast to Hamlin’s own impressive tally of 58 wins as a driver, a milestone he has never reached at Indianapolis. After the checkered flag, Hamlin joined the group in celebrating by kissing the famous bricks, savoring the moment in his supporting role.
Building a Winning Team Requires a Different Kind of Commitment
Hamlin explained that being a team owner involves levels of complexity and responsibility not experienced from behind the wheel. Reflecting on his actions at Indianapolis, he said, he always takes any possible chance to join his team celebrating at the finish line and treats each of their trophies as personal achievements. According to Hamlin, the sense of fulfillment comes in part because, as an owner, he invests in every aspect of the operation—from branding and sponsorship to competition and team direction.
He emphasized the partnership with Joe Gibbs and his broader team, crediting them for much of the behind-the-scenes work that allows drivers to focus purely on performance. As Hamlin described,
“Joe Gibbs and that whole team, they do all the work. All I have to do out here each weekend is drive it to the best of my ability. I’ve got to send them in the right direction to make the car go faster.”
The process of establishing 23XI Racing from the beginning represented a significant undertaking that required careful attention to countless details, Hamlin said, which deepened his emotional investment and made team successes resonate even more.
He used a family metaphor for context:
“That’s why parents always feel much prouder when their kids accomplish something more than they do.”
—Denny Hamlin, Team Owner
The Broader Scene at Indianapolis
The intensity of Sunday’s competition was reflected not only in the win itself but also in the broader stories unfolding at the Brickyard. Bubba Wallace’s result was hard-fought, and drivers like Kyle Larson missed out on victory during a tense overtime finish. Indianapolis remains a milestone many drivers strive to conquer—Hamlin himself has still not scored a personal win at this famous track, highlighting the unique prestige and challenge the venue presents.
Other NASCAR news surfaced on race day as well, with reports of a driver planning to appeal a disqualification, while discussions continued about Kyle Busch’s future series prospects. Off the track, NASCAR also confronted a separate issue—a confirmed data breach, according to public statements, with hackers reportedly demanding a $4 million ransom.
Looking Forward for 23XI Racing and NASCAR
Bubba Wallace’s victory at Indianapolis brings new momentum for 23XI Racing and reaffirms Hamlin’s deep commitment as an owner shaping the team’s identity. Moments like these exemplify the multi-layered challenges behind NASCAR’s top wins, revealing how leadership, organization, and emotional stakes all play a crucial part. As the season continues, the narratives around drivers, owners like Hamlin, and headline-making events both on and off the track will continue to shape the NASCAR landscape and its dedicated fan base.
