The Denny Hamlin NASCAR controversy came to the forefront during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway on Sunday, where a dramatic incident unfolded between Hamlin and Bubba Wallace, a driver for 23XI Racing. In the final moments of the race, Wallace seemed poised for his second victory of the 2025 season and a spot in the playoff’s third round, but his hopes vanished after contact with Hamlin, who is not only his fellow driver but also a co-owner of his team.
Following the incident, Chase Elliott overtook Hamlin to secure the win. Immediately after the race, Wallace voiced his anger over team radio, using explicit language to describe Hamlin, and then signaled further frustration by giving him the middle finger as they drove on the back stretch. The moment, captured by NASCAR on social media, quickly spread among fans and commentators.
Hamlin’s Perspective on Wallace’s Reaction
Many wondered how Hamlin, both a competitor and Wallace’s boss, would respond to the unusually public show of anger. Instead of reprimanding his driver, Hamlin stated that he understood Wallace’s reaction following such a high-stakes loss and did not take personal offense, highlighting the distinction between actions taken on the track and those within the organization.
Sometimes middle fingers are okay… but let’s keep them on the track. 💥 pic.twitter.com/tTGpkctoNS
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) September 30, 2025
Appearing on his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin elaborated on where he draws the line between personal and professional disrespect. He clarified that while competitive emotions are expected in the heat of racing, certain boundaries exist when it comes to their working relationship.
If he were to flip me off in 23XI (facilities), as the car owner, we’d have employer-employee problems,
This distinction was further underscored as Hamlin separated his identity as the driver of the No. 11 car from his role as the car owner at 23XI Racing.
I think you can motherf— the driver of the 11 because you’re upset that the finish didn’t go as you hoped. But anything directed at me as the owner, I would certainly, certainly have exception to that. Because as an owner, I know the tremendous resources that myself and (co-owner) Michael (Jordan) give Bubba every single week to go out there and compete.
Complex Emotions and Playoff Implications for Both Drivers
This latest conflict created an uncomfortable dynamic for both Hamlin and Wallace, especially as they share both a competitive and managerial connection. If Wallace had won in Kansas, his progression to the next playoff round would have been guaranteed, marking a milestone in his career. Instead, Wallace must now secure a crucial win at Charlotte to keep his championship hopes alive, adding significant pressure as the playoffs progress.
Meanwhile, Hamlin appears well-positioned to advance based on points accumulated throughout the season, but the incident raised questions about his approach in racing a teammate and employee so aggressively at such a critical juncture in the playoffs. The decisions made in the closing laps have left observers debating the appropriate balance between competing for victory and supporting a team member’s playoff ambitions.
Looking Ahead as Tensions Remain High
As the NASCAR Cup Series moves on to Charlotte, all eyes will be on how Hamlin and Wallace interact both on and off the track. The Denny Hamlin NASCAR controversy has spotlighted the unique challenges that come with being both a team owner and a competitor, particularly when emotions run high and playoff stakes are at their peak. With Wallace facing a must-win scenario and Hamlin managing not only his own advancement but also the morale and cohesion within 23XI Racing, the repercussions of this Kansas Speedway incident are likely to resonate throughout the remainder of the season.
.@BubbaWallace was not happy with @dennyhamlin following the checkered flag at Kansas. 🫢 pic.twitter.com/aqTaZcUTsG
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 29, 2025
Sometimes middle fingers are okay… but let’s keep them on the track. 💥 pic.twitter.com/tTGpkctoNS
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) September 30, 2025
