Denny Hamlin’s pursuit of his 60th career NASCAR Cup Series victory slipped away at Kansas Speedway during Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400. A combination of mechanical problems and a decisive on-track incident with Bubba Wallace allowed Chase Elliott to secure the win, derailing Hamlin’s milestone chase in dramatic fashion. The high-stakes outcome not only denied him personal achievement but also threatened Playoff hopes for his 23XI Racing team.
Mechanical Troubles and a Costly Error Shape the Race
The focus keyword “Denny Hamlin Kansas 60th win” took center stage as Hamlin dominated much of the event, leading 159 laps, sweeping both Stages, and posting the Xfinity Fastest Lap. Despite his commanding performance, late-race adversity struck when Hamlin’s car suffered a loss of power steering and voltage problems. Though these setbacks nearly ruined his bid, Hamlin managed to claw back toward the front of the pack with a shot at the win.
As the race neared its climax, Hamlin aggressively pursued Bubba Wallace, who pilots a car co-owned by Hamlin. In a tense final lap, their battle opened the door for Chase Elliott to pass both drivers as they tangled, handing Elliott the victory while Hamlin and Wallace lost their shot in a matter of moments.
“An absolutely wild finish in Kansas today. Let’s watch it again. Thoughts?”
— Toby Christie, Racing Analyst
Personal Stakes and Emotional Reflections from Hamlin
Hamlin, reflecting on his rare misjudgment and the weight of the moment, expressed deep disappointment about missing out on a win at the track marking his NASCAR start. With evident frustration, he revealed the emotional significance of achieving a 60th win at Kansas, especially as he hoped to do it in front of family and with key teammates present on the pit wall.
“We had no power steering on the last run and low voltage, just a lot of things. I’m just disappointed because I’ve never had a car that good to the competition. I wanted it for my dad, I wanted it for everybody. I wanted it a little too hard,”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Hamlin’s ambitions were also entwined with those of Bubba Wallace, referencing his regret for jeopardizing a potential win for his colleague, who previously triumphed at the Brickyard 400 and has shown renewed confidence this season. Hamlin admitted that his miscalculation behind the wheel — made worse by failing power steering — altered not just his outcome but Wallace’s as well.
Hamlin further explained his approach:
“Just massive disappointment. I don’t know how else to say it. Just massive disappointment. I’m thinking all race, this is our race. I’d love to get my 60th [win] here, at the track where I got my very first start,”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
“And I wanted to do it with two different teammates on the pit wall, and it just didn’t happen.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Decisive Moments and What Hamlin Would Do Differently
Looking back on the pivotal sequence, Hamlin stated unequivocally that his competitive drive remains unchanged, regardless of which driver was next to him on the track. Yet, he acknowledged lessons learned and shared what adjustments he might make if given another chance. Power steering issues and tight racing with Wallace complicated his ability to finish the move cleanly.
“I would have raced everyone the same way,”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
“I’m going for 60. Nobody will ever accuse me of laying over for anyone for a win.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
“Obviously, not having power steering there was not ideal. And obviously, I got really close to [Bubba Wallace]. 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 try to turn the wheel more.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
The Playoff Picture and Consequences for 23XI Racing
The dramatic turn at Kansas placed 23XI Racing at a disadvantage, as Wallace now faces a steep climb at the upcoming Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, sitting 26 points below the Playoff cutline. Hamlin, in contrast, remains comfortably 48 points above the elimination threshold with one race to go in the Playoffs Round of 12. Achieving his 60th win would place him alongside Kevin Harvick in the record books at 10th on NASCAR’s all-time win list, though Hamlin is still chasing his first Cup Series championship.
After contentious interactions with Wallace at Kansas and a similar incident with his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Ty Gibbs at New Hampshire, Hamlin may turn his focus from personal milestones to broader championship ambitions.
What Lies Ahead for Hamlin and His Team
Denny Hamlin’s Kansas heartbreak adds to a season marked by competitive highs and emotionally charged setbacks. While his hopes for a landmark victory were dashed in dramatic fashion, Hamlin remains a contender for the Cup Series title, with lessons learned and motivation sharpened by recent events. The path forward will test both his resolve and the cohesion of 23XI Racing as the Playoffs continue.
An absolutely wild finish in Kansas today. Let's watch it again. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/wxJMGeHdX2
— Toby Christie (@Toby_Christie) September 28, 2025