Denny Hamlin’s Kansas heartbreak took center stage after a dramatic finish at Kansas Speedway, where he narrowly missed securing his 60th career NASCAR Cup Series win. In the aftermath, Jeff Gordon, vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, spoke out, reflecting on Hamlin’s near-miss and its impact as Hamlin’s season intensifies.
Gordon Examines Hamlin’s Painful Kansas Finish
The Kansas Speedway race concluded with Hamlin falling just short after a tense on-track battle with Bubba Wallace, which allowed Chase Elliott to claim victory and secure a critical Round of 8 playoff spot. Hendrick Motorsports celebrated Elliott’s win after a stage largely dominated by Joe Gibbs Racing, but for Hamlin, disappointment lingered. The opportunity for his 60th triumph slipped away in the final laps, overshadowed by Elliott’s late charge at the intermediate track in the Sunflower State.
Hamlin, still seeking to dedicate a win to his father and reinforce Toyota’s formidable season, left Kansas with evident frustration following his runner-up result. During the post-race press conference, Gordon addressed the difficulty of handling near-misses and referenced his personal experiences from his own racing career.
“I can’t remember many of the ones I won, but I can tell you all the ones I lost. Those decisions haunt you, mis-shifts and bad choices on restarts and whatever it might be, especially if it was on your watch or in your hands,”
Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman Hendrick Motorsports, shared as he recalled the lingering regret that often follows lost races.
Analyzing the Decisive Moments that Defined the Finish
Gordon’s assessment delved into the closing moments at Kansas, highlighting the choices made during the final laps. Hamlin, who led 159 laps and commanded much of the race, was overtaken after a late caution and a bold move by Elliott.
“I don’t know what was going to happen there if Denny (Hamlin) wrapped the bottom instead of kind of using Bubba (Wallace) up, but I still think Chase (Elliott) had a great shot at it because of the new tires and the run he had going into three,”
Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman Hendrick Motorsports, remarked, underscoring how split-second decisions and fresh tires can immediately alter the outcome.
Gordon Reflects on Hamlin’s Season and Outlook
Despite Hamlin’s disappointment, Gordon noted the driver’s overall form during the year. The No. 11 driver has already celebrated five wins this season, building confidence and maintaining momentum as the playoffs intensify.
“Yeah, Denny’s having a great year. He signed a new contract. I don’t think he’s done winning,”
Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman Hendrick Motorsports, stated, showing faith in Hamlin’s abilities and resilience.
Gordon also discussed Hamlin’s mindset after cautions disrupted his dominant run, recognizing the driver’s desire to control the finish from the lead.
“But when you have the opportunity, he’s probably more disappointed that the cautions came out when he had the lead and wanted to see it finish that way. But the way he’s running right now and the way that team is, I think he’s going to get some more opportunities,”
Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman Hendrick Motorsports, added, expressing optimism about Hamlin’s prospects.
What the Kansas Heartbreak Means for Hamlin Moving Forward
The disappointment at Kansas is a testament to how competitive and unpredictable the NASCAR Cup Series can be, particularly with strong teams like Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports vying for every point. Hamlin’s commanding performance throughout the night reinforces his place as a consistent contender, while Gordon’s comments highlight both the sting of close losses and the promise of future successes. As Hamlin heads into the playoffs’ next phase at Charlotte, his recent form and determination suggest that more milestone victories could be on the horizon, making his pursuit of glory a story to watch.
What a result for the @Hendrick9Team! pic.twitter.com/rmb8XHiLN6
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) September 29, 2025
