Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace have repaired their relationship following a dramatic last-lap incident at Kansas Speedway that may have dashed Wallace’s NASCAR playoff hopes. The episode, which unfolded in the final moments of the Hollywood Casino 400, put both drivers and their teams under intense scrutiny as they prepare for the crucial next race at Charlotte Roval.
Collision Sparks Tension Between Hamlin and Wallace
The conflict erupted during the closing lap at Kansas on September 28, where Hamlin made contact with Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota, sending him into the outer wall. Both drivers lost momentum, allowing Chase Elliott to secure the victory while Hamlin’s and Wallace’s own chances evaporated. The collision not only changed the race’s outcome but also introduced friction between 23XI Racing driver Wallace and his team co-owner, Hamlin, as the dust settled heading into the playoff elimination rounds.
Wallace Recounts Events and Mends Relations
In the days that followed, Wallace described a “somber week” as he processed the event. Addressing the media Saturday before the pivotal Charlotte Roval race, he shared how a recent conversation with Hamlin provided clarity and reconciliation.
“It was definitely a somber week, for sure, and I hate that it got to this point. … Denny and I just talked 30 minutes ago, and it was a good heart-to-heart conversation. It came from a place of peace. It went better than I thought it would,”
Bubba Wallace said (via Kelly Crandall).
Wallace emphasized that he held no resentment toward Hamlin’s racing decision, acknowledging the competitive environment.
“I don’t fault Denny Hamlin racing for a win and racing for his team and sponsors… As much as it didn’t work out, I have to respect that,”
he added.
Although Wallace was unable to advance to the Round of 8—losing out to Chase Elliott in the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet—his disappointment grew knowing that all five Toyota drivers in the top-ten positions did not manage a win. Demonstrating sportsmanship, Wallace reportedly reached out to Toyota representatives to apologize for the missed opportunity.
Hamlin Defends His Actions After Race
Denny Hamlin, aiming for his milestone 60th Cup win, stood by his choices on track following the confrontation. Despite the controversy, Hamlin’s focus remains on his team, sponsors, and his continued pursuit of victory as the playoffs intensify. Wallace, meanwhile, stressed the importance of their renewed understanding and co-owner dynamic as 23XI Racing confronts the upcoming challenge together.
Playoff Stakes Rise With Charlotte Roval Looming
As the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Charlotte Roval, Wallace now faces steep odds—26 points below the cutoff to advance, with only a win likely to secure a place in the next round. His teammate, Tyler Reddick, shares a similar predicament, both drivers needing a standout performance to continue their playoff journey.
Ross Chastain also finds himself under pressure, sitting 13 points outside Joey Logano‘s hold on the eighth and final playoff spot. This year’s Roval race is especially competitive, with Reddick achieving three top-ten finishes at the 2.32-mile road course and Wallace earning a personal best of seventh place in 2022. Meanwhile, Shane van Gisbergen of Trackhouse Racing emerges as a strong favorite, thanks to his four wins on road or street courses this season.
The high-stakes Bank of America Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course will decide the eight drivers advancing in the playoffs. The race covers 109 laps and takes place on October 5, with qualifying set for the afternoon of October 4. The outcome will have a significant impact on the trajectories of key competitors, including Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace, as well as broader implications for Toyota, 23XI Racing, and NASCAR’s playoff narrative overall.
With playoff hopes on the line and tensions resolved, Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace now turn their focus to Charlotte, where their actions will determine not just their own futures, but the momentum of their teams and sponsors as NASCAR’s postseason drama continues to unfold.
Bubba Wallace: "It was definitely a somber week, for sure, and I hate that it got to this point. The linger effect. But Denny and I just talked 30 minutes ago, and it was a good heart-to-heart conversation. It came from a place of peace. It went better than I thought it would…
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) October 4, 2025
