Joey Logano avoided commenting on the heated Joey Logano NASCAR Kansas incident after Bubba Wallace questioned him during the media day at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The exchange followed a controversial on-track incident involving Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace at Kansas Speedway last week, which sparked debate across the NASCAR garage.
Controversy Erupts After Kansas Speedway Collision
During last week’s race at Kansas Speedway, Denny Hamlin, competing for Joe Gibbs Racing, bumped Bubba Wallace late in the race, causing Wallace’s car to hit the wall. Hamlin secured second place, while Wallace finished fifth—his fifth top-five this NASCAR Cup Series season. Joey Logano, who ultimately placed 21st, recorded his season’s lowest finish since the Darlington race. Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports took the win, earning a position in the Round of 8.
Hamlin’s aggressive move led to significant criticism from many in the racing community. Since Wallace drives the No. 23 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing—a team co-owned by Hamlin—the conversation around team alliances and playoff strategy intensified. Addressing the incident, Hamlin commented that his top priority was personal competition, not ensuring 23XI Racing’s advancement in the playoffs.
Media Day Tension: Logano Chooses Silence
With emotions still running high, Bubba Wallace brought up the subject during a media interaction, seeking Logano’s perspective on Hamlin’s controversial actions.
“The thing is, like I said, 95% of the garage looked at that move and was like, ‘Oof’,” said Bubba Wallace. “I mean, I can ask Joey, ‘What’d you think about that move last week, Joey?'”
“I’m staying out of it bud,” the three-time Cup Series champion replied.
Logano’s brief response underscored the contentious nature of the incident and reflected how drivers often choose to sidestep team drama, especially in the pressure-filled playoff environment.
Bubba Wallace’s Performance and Playoff Status
Bubba Wallace currently holds the 10th spot in the NASCAR Cup Series driver standings, with 3057 points. He sits 26 points shy of the playoffs cutoff, making every remaining race critical for 23XI Racing and its hopes for a championship run. To date, Wallace has delivered five top-five and 13 top-10 finishes over 31 races, demonstrating solid consistency despite recent setbacks.
Six Days to Reconcile: Private Talk Between Wallace and Hamlin
After the Kansas Speedway clash, Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin waited nearly a week before finally meeting to discuss their differences. Their conversation was described as candid and constructive, aiming to resolve lingering tensions from the race.
“I hate that it got to this point and the lingering effect. Denny and I just talked until about 30 minutes ago. It was a good heart-to-heart conversation and came from a place of peace.”
Wallace noted that their dialogue helped them reach a better understanding, easing the strain caused by the incident’s fallout.
“It went better than I thought it would. He shared his side of things, and I shared mine and we had a common ground,” Wallace further added.
Both drivers acknowledged the intensity of competing for the championship and accepted the high stakes involved, particularly as team relationships blend with personal ambitions in a tightly contested playoff scenario.
Looking Ahead to the ROVAL 400
The next challenge for Bubba Wallace and 23XI Racing is the Bank of America ROVAL 400, scheduled for Sunday, October 5. As the playoffs edge closer to their decisive rounds, Wallace’s performance will be closely watched by fans and teams alike. Supporters can tune in to USA network or keep up with live radio coverage through PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
The Joey Logano NASCAR Kansas incident highlights ongoing tensions and alliances in the Cup Series, as drivers like Wallace, Hamlin, and Logano maneuver through both external scrutiny and internal pressures while competing for NASCAR’s top prize.
A funny moment as Bubba Wallace was closing his media time here in Charlotte:
Wallace: "The thing is, like I said, 95% of the garage looked at that move and was like, 'Oof'. I mean, I can ask Joey, 'What'd you think about that move last week, Joey?'"
Logano: "I'm staying out… pic.twitter.com/a9yHgC9vPe
— Taylor Kitchen (@_TaylorKitchen_) October 4, 2025
