During the closing moments of the latest NASCAR race at Kansas, Bubba Wallace, representing 23XI Racing, experienced a dramatic setback when Denny Hamlin bumped him, sending Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota into the wall. The incident, unfolding just half a lap before the end, cost Wallace the victory and dropped him to fifth place, while Chase Elliott surged ahead to claim the win for Hendrick Motorsports, leaving the Toyota drivers and fans stunned by the abrupt twist. The high-profile Denny Hamlin Kansas Clash not only shook up the finish but brought to the forefront the emotional complexities between Wallace and his team boss, Hamlin, who also happens to be a rival driver.
Frustration was visible on Wallace’s face after the finish as he reacted immediately, gesturing at Hamlin from his car in a public display of anger. The visible gesture captured by media and fans underscored the tense dynamic in the Toyota camp, with Hamlin’s move not only costing 23XI Racing a victory but also delivering a win to Chevy, further deepening the disappointment for the four Toyota teams running at the front throughout the event.
Bubba Wallace Speaks Out: Disappointment and Accountability
After the race at Kansas, Bubba Wallace openly discussed his anguish over coming so close to a significant win only to lose it in circumstances involving his own boss. While holding himself back from a more explosive reaction, Wallace acknowledged how the outcome stung both personally and as a representative of Toyota, who lost a hard-fought win to Chevrolet following the clash with Hamlin.
To even have a shot at the win with the way we started… We were not good. I really appreciate the team.
Bubba Wallace said via NBC Sports.
The Kansas race began on a difficult note for Wallace and the 23XI Racing team. Although performance was lacking out of the gate, their perseverance brought them into contention for victory, only to be thwarted at the last moment. Wallace admitted that while he has matured over the years and refrained from making impulsive comments, the frustration remained intense due to the effect Hamlin’s actions had on the Toyota contingent.
Two years ago, I would say something dumb, [Hamlin] is a (expletive) for that move, for sure. I don’t care if he’s my boss or not. But we were going for the win. 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 added.
Wallace’s candid remarks highlighted a sense of betrayal and regret, not just for himself but for the broader Toyota program, which had shown dominance until the incident. The moment became more than a clash between teammates; it represented a missed opportunity for all Toyota teams involved as a competitor from Chevrolet secured the win instead.
Reflection on Race Dynamics and Its Toll on Team Morale
Wallace later shared the part of the Kansas race that frustrated him the most: the abrupt change from an exciting battle with his team boss for the win to disappointment and missed opportunity. Rather than celebrating a hard-fought 23XI or Toyota victory, Wallace finished fifth and handed the win to Chase Elliott and the No. 9 Chevrolet.
You guys seen it. It’s unfortunate. You know, I was excited to race Denny for the win, and hell, we ended up 5th and gave the 9 a win. That’s what’s frustrating the most—that we couldn’t get Toyota to victory lane. We’ve been working really hard to get our program back here in Kansas. We still got a lot of work to do, played all of our cards right, and yeah, it just wasn’t meant to be.
Bubba Wallace said.
Wallace addressed how hard the team has worked to reestablish themselves in Kansas, acknowledging that while they made all the right strategic calls and executed a solid race, circumstances beyond their control led to a bitterly disappointing outcome. The loss left the team emotionally spent after investing so much effort into their Kansas program, only to see another manufacturer celebrate victory lane.
Addressing the Relationship with Denny Hamlin
The Denny Hamlin Kansas Clash significantly impacted the working dynamics between Wallace and Hamlin, with Wallace making it clear that he would not seek a conversation with his boss about the race incident. Instead, he highlighted his philosophy towards competition—how drivers race him will dictate how he races them in the future, including Hamlin, regardless of team hierarchy or personal relationships.
Can’t talk to him… I mean, I’ve always been big on—you race me how you race me. No matter who you are, what it is, we race hard. We race hard every week. Toyota drivers race really hard every week.
Bubba Wallace added.
Wallace’s words reflected a commitment to intense, fair competition, noting that fierce racing is a known aspect among Toyota drivers, not just within 23XI Racing. The aftermath of the clash may shift how Wallace approaches further races with Hamlin, maintaining mutual respect on the track while not allowing team relationships to soften his competitive approach.
Implications for 23XI Racing and the NASCAR Season
The fallout from Kansas echoes well beyond the finish line. With the team now heading to the Roval in a must-win situation, tensions from the Denny Hamlin Kansas Clash could carry over into the strategy and mood of the camp. Internal conflicts and emotional setbacks threaten to distract from the critical points battle, and there are additional pressures facing 23XI Racing, including pending charter lawsuits that could impact the organization’s future participation.
Wallace, coming off a major win in the 2025 Brickyard 400, has emphasized the importance of resolving internal disputes to keep team morale high and performance focused as the championship race intensifies. The clash has also reinforced the fiercely competitive spirit among top NASCAR drivers like Wallace, Hamlin, and Elliott, spotlighting the fine line between team unity and individual ambition at the sport’s highest levels.
The coming weeks will test the resilience of 23XI Racing and the nature of Wallace’s relationship with Hamlin. As drivers and teams regroup for the next high-stakes event, attention remains fixed on how the fallout from Kansas will influence both the performance and atmosphere within one of NASCAR’s most ambitious modern organizations.
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
“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
