The conclusion of the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway on Sunday saw Chase Elliott take the spotlight, but the Chase Elliott Kansas Speedway win left several drivers, notably Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin, visibly frustrated. Tensions on the track escalated during an overtime showdown for the lead, resulting in dramatic race-altering contact and heated reactions.
Last-Lap Battle Ends in Collision
During the final laps of the event, Wallace and Hamlin were both fighting for the top position as the race moved into overtime. Hamlin attempted an inside move to overtake Wallace but struggled with control, veering into Wallace and forcing his car into the outside wall.
This contact provided an opening for Chase Briscoe, who quickly slipped to the inside lane and made additional contact with Hamlin before powering ahead. As the checkered flag neared, Briscoe capitalized on the chaos to secure the victory, leaving Wallace 26 points behind the crucial playoff cut line, missing what had seemed a possible win just moments before.
Wallace’s Frustrated Response to the Outcome
Bubba Wallace’s reaction to the post-race events was immediate and visible. Even before leaving his car, Wallace gestured his frustration toward Denny Hamlin, later captured in an image by journalist Noah Lewis. The incident quickly gained traction among fans and media, highlighting the emotional weight of the moment.
“Bubba Wallace shows his displeasure to team owner Denny Hamlin after the checkered flag. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/belqTREHw0″— Noah Lewis, Journalist
Wallace managed to contain his anger when speaking to reporters, avoiding a direct accusation but making it clear how disappointed he felt about the circumstances that unfolded at Kansas Speedway. In a candid reflection on the race, Wallace acknowledged the day’s challenges and addressed the aggressive move by Hamlin.
“To even have a shot at the win with the way we started… We were not good,”
— Bubba Wallace, Driver
He elaborated on his appreciation for his team’s effort and commented on the late-race incident, referencing how he might have spoken out two years ago and critiqued the move more bluntly. Instead, Wallace made it apparent that winning had been within reach and expressed no concern about Hamlin’s role as both team owner and competitor in the moment.
“I hate that we gave it to Chevrolet there. Toyotas were super fast and proud to be driving one. I thought it was meant to be, and then it wasn’t.”
— Bubba Wallace, Driver
Hamlin Reflects on a Challenging Finish
Denny Hamlin admitted to his own frustration, reflecting on a day where his strong car and chances for victory were compromised by a loss of power steering, which made handling difficult at a decisive point in the race. While the mechanical problem likely played a role in the on-track incident with Wallace, Hamlin did not offer excuses post-race.
The relationship between Wallace and Hamlin now faces heightened scrutiny, since Hamlin not only owns the team Wallace drives for but is also his on-track rival. How the pair handles the aftermath of such a public confrontation could affect their dynamic for the remainder of the NASCAR season.
What the Finish Means Moving Forward
Chase Elliott’s Kansas Speedway win alters the playoff picture, but for Bubba Wallace, the penalty of lost points puts his postseason hopes in jeopardy. Team Toyota’s speed was evident, even as a Chevrolet ultimately claimed the win, a fact Wallace noted with disappointment. Meanwhile, Hamlin’s perseverance through mechanical issues and the tough finish spotlights the fine margins and tensions that shape NASCAR’s most heated races.
As the season advances, the aftermath of the Kansas Speedway finish leaves unresolved emotions and storylines that are likely to influence both on-track competition and internal team relationships in the weeks ahead.
Bubba Wallace shows his displeasure to team owner Denny Hamlin after the checkered flag. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/belqTREHw0
— Noah Lewis (@Noah_Lewis1) September 28, 2025
