Tensions flared at Kansas Speedway as Bubba Wallace confronted the aftermath of the Denny Hamlin Kansas clash, which unfolded just laps before the checkered flag during the NASCAR Cup Series race on September 28. The incident, involving 23XI Racing’s Wallace and his team owner Denny Hamlin, not only dashed race-winning hopes but intensified debate among Toyota camp drivers.
Late-Race Contact Alters Overtime Finish
A week after spinning Ty Gibbs at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Denny Hamlin found himself in another high-stakes confrontation—this time with Bubba Wallace at Kansas Speedway. Wallace, piloting the No. 23 Camry, was a frontrunner in overtime, seeking his second win of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. Hamlin, intent on capturing a milestone 60th career Cup victory to move ahead of Kevin Harvick, led 159 laps and was in prime position as the laps wound down.
But moments before the finish, Hamlin pulled alongside his 23XI Racing competitor and made contact, sending Wallace into the outside wall. The resulting shuffle allowed Chase Elliott to slip through, edging past Wallace for the victory by just 0.069 seconds—a razor-thin margin that frustrated the Toyota drivers battling at the front.
Bubba Wallace Responds to Denny Hamlin’s Move
When pressed by reporter Dalton Hopkins about whether the incident would affect his racing approach towards Hamlin in the future, Wallace was candid about his philosophy towards on-track respect:
“I’ve always been big on how you race me is how I race you. No matter who you are, what it is…we race hard every week. Toyota drivers race hard every week, but we respect each other. There’s a fine line that sometimes gets crossed, and you have to understand that, but we got one more race at the ROVAL.”
– Bubba Wallace, Driver
He elaborated on his focused mindset heading into the next event:
“For me, it’s a must-win there, but we’re gonna go and do what we did today; fight hard and just make the most of it.”
– Bubba Wallace, Driver
Playoff Standings and Season Highlights
Bubba Wallace stands out as the only 23XI Racing driver to secure a playoff berth this year by winning a race. He currently ranks 12th in playoff standings, trailing the cutoff by 27 points. Through thirty-one races, the Alabama native has accumulated five top-five finishes and thirteen top-10s, with his latest victory arriving during the Brickyard 400 in July.
Wallace Addresses the Intensity at Kansas
In the immediate aftermath of the Hollywood Casino 400, Wallace spoke directly about his feelings during the climactic laps and his approach to competing against his team boss and owner Denny Hamlin:
“Two years ago I’d probably say something dumb,”
Bubba Wallace said in a post-race release.
“He’s a dumb*** for that move. I don’t care if he’s my boss or not. But we’re going for the win. I hate that we gave it to Chevrolet there.”
– Bubba Wallace, Driver
This strong reaction encapsulated the frustration felt by Wallace and other Toyota drivers, as three out of the top five starters were in Toyotas but the win ultimately slipped to a Chevrolet driver.
Looking Ahead to the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL
With emotions still raw, Wallace now sets his sights on the Bank of America ROVAL at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s road course, scheduled for Sunday, October 5. This 109-lap event promises further playoff drama, broadcast on USA with radio coverage by PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
The Denny Hamlin Kansas clash has intensified relationships among Toyota’s elite drivers and underscored the high stakes as the NASCAR Cup Series playoff battle continues. With Wallace expressing both determination and frustration, all eyes will be on Charlotte to see whether these tensions reshape dynamics within NASCAR’s upper ranks—or spark another chapter in this turbulent season.
“Can’t talk to him. … I’ve always been big on how you race me is how I race you”@BubbaWallace was a corner away from a win in Kansas before he had contact with his boss Denny Hamlin
His reaction 👇#NASCAR #HollywoodCasino400 pic.twitter.com/F29VSlVCAM
— Dalton Hopkins (@PitLaneCPT) September 28, 2025
