Bubba Wallace and his team owner Denny Hamlin addressed the recent Denny Hamlin Kansas incident in a candid face-to-face meeting on Saturday, a week after their clash at Kansas Speedway. The conversation came as Wallace prepared for the Charlotte Roval, both drivers seeking clarity after their on-track battle disrupted team harmony and Toyota’s prospects.
Wallace and Hamlin Come Together After Tense Week
After a difficult week following the final restart at Kansas, Wallace spoke openly about the emotional toll of the aftermath, saying,
It’s definitely been a somber week, for sure.
– Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Cup Series Driver.
He revealed that communication with Hamlin had been absent throughout the week after the race. Their long-awaited conversation finally took place on Saturday morning just before Wallace’s scheduled media briefing at the Charlotte Roval. Wallace described the discussion as a significant and peaceful exchange, indicating both parties had the opportunity to honestly share their viewpoints.
I hate that it got to this point and the lingering effect.
– Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Cup Series Driver.
Wallace recounted that the talk began lightheartedly, with Hamlin sharing first before he quickly clarified his feelings. Wallace noted he was not upset about being forced wide during the heated battle for the win, which surprised Hamlin. The discussion allowed the two to find common ground and alleviate lingering tension.
Bubba Wallace’s Perspective on Competitive Racing
Known for his fiercely competitive spirit, Wallace has a history of not yielding when the race is on the line, a trait previously seen in an incident with Kyle Larson at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. With his Playoff hopes on the line and sitting tenth in the points standings — trailing the cut to advance by 26 points — Wallace emphasized that his approach would remain unchanged heading into the pressure-filled Roval race.
Wallace made it clear he harbors no resentment towards Hamlin regarding their Kansas battle. His focus remains on winning, regardless of the competitive tension.
Just so we are all clear on that – that is not going to be the last time where I’m battling for a win and it doesn’t go our way in some fashion, whether that is Denny or anybody in the field,
– Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Cup Series Driver.
He acknowledged that while most within the racing community might see Hamlin’s move as aggressive or uncomfortable, he still respects such actions when racing for victory.
The other five percent, whether they’re buddies or they don’t care, they see the other side of it. I don’t fault Denny Hamlin racing for the win, for his team and his sponsors.
– Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Cup Series Driver.
The Unique Dynamic Between Teammates and Competitors
The inter-team drama is heightened because Hamlin is both Wallace’s boss at 23XI Racing and a competitor seeking the same wins in the NASCAR Cup Series. This dynamic also affects teammate Tyler Reddick, who finds himself racing both alongside and against his team owner.
I get asked all the time what it’s like to race Denny on the race track,
– Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Cup Series Driver.
No offense to them, but I could give two sh*ts because he’s a competitor and he’s labeled it that way. That was two competitors going for a win, and so as much so as it didn’t work out, I have to respect that.
– Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Cup Series Driver.
This clear-cut separation between professional relationships and competition is something Wallace appears to accept, embracing the intense reality of vying for success within both team and individual contexts.
Concern Over Toyota’s Missed Opportunity
Despite clearing the air with Hamlin, Wallace’s biggest disappointment stemmed from Toyota missing out on victory at Kansas Speedway. With all five top spots occupied by Toyota drivers at the restart, it was ultimately Chase Elliott in a Chevrolet who claimed the win. Wallace felt personal frustration and apologized directly to Toyota representatives afterward for the collective loss.
My biggest thing was Toyota didn’t win,
– Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Cup Series Driver.
He said his disappointment came from letting down everyone involved with Toyota, emphasizing his sense of responsibility to the broader team beyond just his own finish. Though the conversation with Hamlin provided some resolution, Wallace admitted that the sting of defeat still lingered, particularly since his priority was to deliver a victory for Toyota.
The Denny Hamlin Kansas incident will likely be remembered not just for its direct sporting impact, but for how it exposed the complexities of relationships in the Cup Series. As the Playoff battle intensifies, both drivers seem to have moved forward, ready to continue their pursuit of victory while acknowledging the high stakes faced not only by themselves, but also by their teams and manufacturer partners.
