Kevin Harvick has come forward to support fellow NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin following a contentious incident during the recent race at Kansas Speedway, where Hamlin’s aggressive late-race maneuver resulted in Chase Elliott’s surprising victory. The debate around Hamlin’s actions has intensified, but Harvick insists that Hamlin acted as any competitive racer would, emphasizing the complexities faced by those in dual roles as both driver and owner—highlighting the ongoing conflict within the NASCAR paddock. The focus keyword, Kevin Harvick defends Denny Hamlin, lies at the center of this high-stakes event that has captured the attention of fans, drivers, and media alike.
Harvick Offers Perspective on Hamlin’s Kansas Move
Denny Hamlin controlled much of the Kansas Speedway race, leading an impressive 159 laps and conquering both stages. Despite his dominant performance and overcoming steering difficulties in the race’s closing stages, Hamlin found himself in a tight battle during NASCAR Overtime, challenging his own 23XI Racing driver, Bubba Wallace, while driving for Joe Gibbs Racing.
With the checkered flag in reach, Hamlin made a decisive move underneath Wallace in Turn 3, which led to contact between the two cars. This slowed both drivers and allowed Chase Elliott, resurfacing from 10th on the last restart, to seize the lead and triumph by a slim margin of 0.069 seconds.
As reactions erupted across the NASCAR community, Kevin Harvick addressed the incident on Harvick Happy Hour on X, drawing from his own extensive experience as both a driver and a team owner. Harvick shared his view:
“I’ve been in the position that Denny Hamlin is in currently, where you drive another team and you own cars, and it’s really, really difficult because if he doesn’t drive in there and try to win the race and do what he did, his team is gonna be mad.”
— Kevin Harvick, Driver and Team Owner
“And, when it worked out the way it did, the only rule that he broke is, one of you better win, and it took both teams out of the contention and it handed the gimme to Chase Elliott.”
— Kevin Harvick, Driver and Team Owner
The aftermath proved costly for both Hamlin and Wallace. While a win would have guaranteed entry into NASCAR’s Round of 8 for either driver, Hamlin was forced to accept second place and Wallace fell further below the playoff qualification line. Both drivers now face increased pressure as the playoff rounds continue.
Hamlin Clarifies His Priorities Amid Dual Roles
The controversy over Hamlin’s actions focused on his unique situation: he drives the No. 11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing, yet co-owns 23XI Racing—putting him in direct competition with his own team’s driver, Wallace. After the race, Hamlin directly addressed the criticism and his stance on responsibility during an episode of his podcast, Actions Detrimental.
“If they’re wanting an apology, they can turn off now,” Hamlin said.
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver and Team Co-Owner
“On Sunday, I am the driver. People expect me to be the guy with the 23XI shirt on when I’m in the #11 car and that’s just not possible. Zero doubts in my mind, I was racing the #23 the same as I would race anybody in that moment.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver and Team Co-Owner
Hamlin further clarified that his main allegiance on race day is to Joe Gibbs Racing, not 23XI Racing, specifying that his responsibilities as an owner come during the week. He stated:
“My responsibilities as a team owner comes Monday through Saturday,”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver and Team Co-Owner
“It is not up to me to get 23XI into the Round of 8. My responsibility is to get the #11 into the Round of 8. Joe (Gibbs) pays me a lot of money to make sure that car wins a championship.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver and Team Co-Owner
The Broader Impact on NASCAR’s Playoff Picture
Hamlin’s bold attempt in the final laps highlights one of the most complex aspects of modern NASCAR racing—the tension placed on competitor-owners and their decisions under immense pressure. For Hamlin, a victory would have broken a frustrating streak and tied him with Kevin Harvick at 59 career Cup Series wins, further solidifying his place among NASCAR’s greats. Instead, he remains just shy of this milestone and continues chasing his elusive first championship, a notable gap for one of the longest-serving drivers in the series without a title.
The fallout extends beyond just points and positions. The debate over how drivers with ownership roles should balance loyalty and competitiveness is set to continue, likely prompting further discussion among drivers, teams, and officials. As the playoffs progress, all eyes will remain on Hamlin, Harvick, Bubba Wallace, and their teams, as the intense, complex, and passionate dynamics of NASCAR’s top drivers play out on and off the track.
“You have to do everything that you can to win for the car that you’re driving. That’s the obligation." @KevinHarvick has been in the same position as Denny Hamlin. It also didn't end well for the team he owned. @DeLanaHarvick can confirm. pic.twitter.com/mPpGiGMVaa
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) September 30, 2025
