Dale Earnhardt Jr defends Wallace after a controversial late-race incident with Denny Hamlin at Kansas Speedway that cost Bubba Wallace a shot at victory and stirred debate across the NASCAR community. As both drivers fought for playoff positions, Hamlin’s move not only affected the race result but also raised questions due to his dual role as both Wallace’s team owner and competitor.
Hamlin’s Dual Role Intensifies On-Track Drama
During the final laps at Kansas Speedway, Denny Hamlin, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, made contact with Bubba Wallace while battling for the lead. The collision ended Wallace’s hopes for a victory and dropped him out of the top four. What makes this situation unusual is Hamlin’s unique position—he competes for his own team but also serves as a co-owner for Wallace’s 23XI Racing squad. This complex dynamic shaped how the incident played out, as both still have championship aspirations on the line.
Earnhardt Jr. Applauds Wallace’s Effort and Conduct
Reflecting on the race in his Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. voiced strong support for Wallace’s handling of the situation and work ethic throughout the day. Earnhardt highlighted the lengthy effort Wallace invested to contend for the win, only to have that opportunity taken away during the decisive moments.
“I just hate it because Bubba was in a good spot, you know. And Bubba did everything all day long to sort of put himself in a great spot and his own team owner.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The complicated relationship between owner and driver came into sharper focus as Earnhardt noted Wallace’s right to be upset with the outcome, especially given the context of their playoff battle and the professional manner Wallace displayed in his post-race interview:
“I think if you’re Bubba, it’s hard to go, ‘man, I don’t feel good about this and I don’t want to.’ … I think Bubba was very professional, did a great, great job in his interview, but he had every opportunity and every right to be frustrated about that.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Wallace’s Playoff Position and Team Outlook
Bubba Wallace, after Kansas, sits 10th in the playoff standings, trailing the cut line by 26 points. His teammate at 23XI Racing, Tyler Reddick, is just behind in 11th and faces a 29-point gap. Wallace’s season highlight remains his victory at the Brickyard 400 in July, which broke a winless streak and gave 23XI Racing a significant boost.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. also compared Wallace’s performance to that of Reddick, noting a marked change in Wallace’s approach and drive since his Indianapolis victory. Earnhardt’s remarks expressed confidence in Wallace’s capabilities:
“Bubba’s really kind of turned it up another notch this year. Seems like, since Indy, he’s sort of switched into another gear that I’ve never seen him really have before. Deserves to be up there. Can do it. Should be able to do it.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
While pointing out Wallace’s progress, Earnhardt had reservations about Reddick’s chances for advancement:
“Reddick worries me a little bit. I don’t see the speed that I think that they’re capable of.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Potential for Redemption at Charlotte ROVAL
With only one race remaining in the Round of 12, the Charlotte ROVAL presents Wallace and his 23XI team with a crucial opportunity to make up lost ground. Notably, drivers such as Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell have already secured or strengthened their positions for the next playoff round, intensifying the pressure on those below the cut line to perform.
The collision and its aftermath underline ongoing questions about how NASCAR drivers juggle ownership and team allegiances during high-stakes moments. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s public support for Wallace stirs further discussion about fairness, professionalism, and what it takes to succeed under pressure as the playoffs progress.
