The Denny Hamlin Kansas race incident triggered strong reactions across the NASCAR community after Hamlin made a controversial move on Bubba Wallace during the final lap in Kansas, impacting both drivers’ race outcomes. Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. openly criticized Hamlin’s actions, calling into question the veteran’s judgment, especially since Wallace drives for Hamlin’s own racing team.
Final Lap Clash Sparks Outcry Among Drivers and Fans
During the Kansas race’s concluding overtime lap, Denny Hamlin attempted to overtake Bubba Wallace in Turn 3. As he made his move, Hamlin collided with the rear of Wallace’s car, causing Wallace to crash into the wall, which led to a disappointing fifth-place finish. In frustration, Wallace signaled his anger to Hamlin—both through gestures and heated words—underscoring the personal and professional tension between the two.
Chase Elliott capitalized on the incident, maneuvering past both Hamlin and Wallace, while Hamlin managed to regain control of his own car and cross the line in second place. Wallace, who appeared to be on track for a potential victory before the crash, lost significant ground, finishing notably behind where he had been positioned in the final moments of the race.
The aftermath was tense, as Wallace, still reeling from the consequences of the crash, directed his frustration at Hamlin despite their team relationship. While Hamlin acknowledged Wallace’s reaction, the altercation had already impacted both drivers’ results, with no way to reverse the outcome. This contentious episode caught the attention of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., who weighed in decisively on the controversy.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Condemns Hamlin’s Move at Kansas
Dale Earnhardt Jr., an experienced voice in the sport, addressed the Kansas incident candidly, expressing clear disapproval of Hamlin’s actions as both a competitor and team owner. He questioned the wisdom of Hamlin making such a desperate maneuver against a driver from his own 23XI Racing stable, emphasizing the broader implications for leadership and responsibility in high-stakes competition.
“No, I can’t applaud it, … Not like that, not with the car you own. If I was out there and drove down into the corner and put one of my guys into the wall, how much f*cking fires would I be putting out today?” — Dale Earnhardt Jr. said on Dale Jr. Download.
Earnhardt Jr. highlighted the conflict an owner-driver faces in such scenarios, pointing out that wrecking your own car brings added pressures and public relations challenges. He made it clear that he could not condone Hamlin’s behavior, especially when the incident involved a vehicle under his own ownership.
Racing Etiquette Challenged as Emotions Run High
In a sport known for its fierce competition, Earnhardt Jr. acknowledged that drivers naturally see each other as rivals, even within the same organization. However, he argued that Hamlin’s aggressive effort was excessive under the circumstances and appeared to jeopardize the success of both teammates. He believed there were alternative ways Hamlin could have handled the ending, maximizing the result for the 23XI Racing team as a whole rather than risking both cars.
“Everybody’s gonna race as their competitors, I’m just saying this is a little too much. … It’s not the end of the world, I just think he could have done it differently and one of the two cars wins the race. He doesn’t have to let up, he doesn’t have to fall in line. Why did he not go to the bottom, right?” — Dale Earnhardt Jr. noted
This critique from Earnhardt Jr., a Hall of Famer, centers on the delicate balance between competition and team cooperation. He maintained that drivers should compete firmly but responsibly, striving to avoid unnecessary contact that could compromise the result for themselves and others—especially when they share organizational ties.
Implications for Hamlin, Wallace, and the Ongoing Season
Despite his error in judgment, Denny Hamlin remains a dominant force in the current NASCAR season, boasting an impressive record of wins and strong performances. Bubba Wallace, for his part, has enjoyed a momentous year, including his historic victory at the Indianapolis 500, securing his status as a standout in modern racing.
The aftermath of the Denny Hamlin Kansas race incident leaves questions about the dynamics within 23XI Racing and challenges for both drivers as they move forward. As Wallace and Hamlin continue to race—and work together as driver and boss—the incident will likely prompt discussions about internal competition, leadership, and tactics among NASCAR teams.
With significant races still ahead in the season, the hope is that Hamlin and Wallace can channel their competitive energy into collaborative success, learning from the clashes at Kansas to strengthen their performance both individually and as teammates. The episode stands as a vivid reminder of the emotional and high-stakes environment of stock car racing, where a single decision on the track can shape careers and reputations.
