Denny Hamlin’s final-lap battle with Bubba Wallace at Kansas Speedway has ignited intense discussion among NASCAR fans. On Sunday, Hamlin, driver of the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 and co-owner of 23XI Racing, made contact with Wallace during an overtime restart, sending Wallace into the wall. The move allowed Chase Elliott to steal the victory and left fans divided on Hamlin’s choices. Social media reactions show admiration, frustration, and debate over whether Hamlin’s aggressive approach was justified or crossed a line.
Key Highlights
Hamlin collided with Wallace during the overtime restart at Kansas Speedway.
Chase Elliott capitalized to win the Hollywood Casino 400.
Wallace fell below the playoff cut line due to the incident.
Fans debated Hamlin’s priorities between winning and 23XI Racing.
Hamlin maintains he races the No. 11 for himself, not as 23XI co-owner.
Kansas Clash and Playoff Impact
During the 2025 Hollywood Casino 400, Wallace led the overtime restart with a chance to advance to the Round of 8. Hamlin, who had dominated most of the race with strong stage performances, challenged aggressively. As they entered Turn 3, Hamlin drifted upward, forcing Wallace into the wall. Both drivers lost momentum, and Chase Elliott seized the opportunity to take the win. Wallace ended up fifth, visibly frustrated, and expressed his displeasure over the radio.
The clash had major playoff ramifications. Wallace, who had been in position to make the third round, dropped below the elimination line. Hamlin, meanwhile, finished second, maintaining a strong position in the championship standings.
Fan Reactions
Social media erupted after the incident, with opinions split on Hamlin’s actions and intentions. Some praised his competitiveness, while others criticized his approach.
“Hamlin bad. That’s all folks are harping on. But Hamlin is the villain NASCAR needs.” – Fan reaction
“You can have integrity without running the 23 into the wall. He knew it wouldn’t work and still did it… that’s lacking integrity.” – Fan reaction
“It’s not that Denny is bad… he’s top 20–25 of all time, but tunnel vision like this costs him at critical moments.” – Fan reaction
Other fans highlighted the dynamic between driver and team owner, noting that Hamlin consistently prioritizes his own car over 23XI Racing during races.
“Whatever your opinion on the Kansas finish, it can’t be denied that on track, Denny does not put 23XI before himself. He has consistently shown that him winning is his top priority, and this is the entire reason the entire arrangement works.” – Fan reaction
Some criticized Hamlin’s refusal to apologize despite the costly mistake.
“‘I’m racing for the win’ doesn’t excuse running out of talent and refusing to apologize… it’s pathetic.” – Fan reaction
Others acknowledged the risk involved but suggested that Hamlin’s competitiveness is part of the sport’s tension.
“The only thing I’m mad about is Denny failed so hard at what he was trying to do. If he or Bubba win, he would have nothing to apologize for. I think he should apologize for the epic failure, not the thought of winning.” – Fan reaction
A few fans framed the incident strategically, preferring Hamlin racing Wallace over other playoff rivals.
“Statistically, both [Chase and Logano] have a higher probability of knocking Denny out of the playoffs… I’d rather race Bubba than them.” – Fan reaction
Denny Hamlin’s Perspective
Hamlin stood by his actions, emphasizing his responsibilities as the No. 11 driver rather than as co-owner of 23XI Racing. He explained that on Sundays, his focus is solely on competing for wins and championship points. The aggressive move, he said, was part of fulfilling that responsibility, even if it conflicted with the interests of his co-owned team.
“On Sunday, I’m the driver of the No. 11 car and not the owner of the 23 car. That’s where the disconnect, I think, comes from… People expect me to be a different person. They expect me to be the guy with a 23XI shirt when I’m in the 11 car and that’s just not possible.” – Denny Hamlin
Hamlin’s stance clarifies why intra-team conflicts occur on track and why competitive instincts often override co-ownership considerations during critical race moments.
News in Brief: NASCAR Fans Debate Denny Hamlin’s Priorities After Kansas Clash
Denny Hamlin’s final-lap move at Kansas caused contact with Bubba Wallace, allowing Chase Elliott to win. Wallace dropped below the playoff cut line, while Hamlin finished second. Fans debated Hamlin’s priorities, with some praising his competitiveness and others questioning his integrity for not protecting 23XI Racing. Hamlin maintains he races the No. 11 for himself, not as co-owner. The incident highlights the tension between driver ambition and ownership duties.
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