Denny Hamlin addressed the media after a tense finish at the Kansas track during Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series, where the Denny Hamlin Kansas race incident unfolded in the final moments. The Joe Gibbs Racing veteran was on the edge of victory when late-race contact with Bubba Wallace, his teammate from 23XI Racing, altered the outcome and the championship picture.
Heading into the closing lap, Hamlin had positioned himself to secure a pivotal win that would have launched him into the Round of 8 in the NASCAR Cup playoffs, moving him closer to his elusive first championship. However, while leading, Hamlin came into contact with Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota—Wallace also drives for the 23XI Racing team co-owned by Hamlin and NBA great Michael Jordan.
The incident on track had immediate consequences for both drivers. Hamlin was unable to maintain the lead, finishing behind Chase Elliott, who took the victory. Bubba Wallace, despite being a Toyota-powered teammate and Hamlin’s employee, also lost ground, slipping to a fifth-place finish as the checkered flag waved. The turn of events not only cost Hamlin a guaranteed playoff spot but also left Wallace 26 points below the playoff cutoff before the high-stakes Charlotte Roval race next weekend.
Hamlin Reflects on the Costly Contact With Teammate
After the race, Hamlin opened up about the moment that changed everything for both drivers. In his post-race media session, Hamlin dissected the split-second decision-making and the resulting consequences, acknowledging he may have approached the situation differently if given another chance.
“Obviously, I got really close to the 23,”
Hamlin explained.
“If I had to do it all over again, I think I’d run a little bit lower to allow a space between us so I don’t get so tight and then try to turn the wheel more.”
The physical and emotional demands of the finish were palpable as Hamlin described his struggle inside the car.
I got no power steering. I’m trying everything I can, and obviously, really difficult and just super disappointed that I couldn’t finish this one out.
– Denny Hamlin, Driver
Despite the tensions of the final lap, there were signs of mutual respect. Wallace appeared during Hamlin’s pit road interview, and the two exchanged a brief hug, illustrating the complex relationship between competitors and teammates, owner and employee. For Wallace, the setback was particularly painful given his precarious playoff position that now hinges on his performance at Charlotte.
Playoff Implications and Racing Priorities Come Into Focus
For Hamlin, the aftermath of the Denny Hamlin Kansas race incident brought into sharp relief the dual roles he inhabits: driver aiming for the championship and team co-owner. While the post-incident hug from Wallace offered some consolation, Hamlin’s greater concern was missing out on an automatic advancement. Nevertheless, Hamlin currently sits second in the Cup Series standings, just six points behind leader Kyle Larson, and is already set to move into the next playoff round.
Reflecting on his approach and career ambitions, Hamlin made clear that he races for wins above all else.
No one will ever accuse me of laying over for anyone for a win. To win a championship, we’ve got to figure out a way to move on. And I would have loved for me and the 23 to battle it out, but obviously I couldn’t turn the car well enough that last corner and got him a great shot.
– Denny Hamlin, Driver
The tension following the race underscored Hamlin’s commitment to his own championship pursuit, even as he balances duties to his team and fellow drivers at 23XI Racing. His focus remains squarely on adding to his five wins this season and targeting a career milestone of 60 victories.
What the Kansas Incident Means for the Rest of the Season
The dramatic events in Kansas have left both Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace with unfinished business as the NASCAR playoffs continue. Hamlin’s pursuit of his first Cup title is still alive, but the contact with Wallace serves as a stark reminder of the razor-thin margins and complex relationships at the top level of racing. With Chase Elliott emerging as the race winner, the playoff picture has shifted, and all eyes now turn to the Charlotte Roval as the next decisive battleground. The aftermath of the Denny Hamlin Kansas race incident will likely continue to shape the dynamics both on and off the track as the season intensifies.
