Former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace has opened up about the emotional pain he experienced after coming close to winning a major championship, relating his story to Denny Hamlin’s recent Denny Hamlin championship heartbreak. As Denny Hamlin continues to grapple with missing out on his long-desired NASCAR Cup Series title in Phoenix, Wallace shared publicly that he understands this feeling, having once lost a championship under similar circumstances.
Kenny Wallace finished as runner-up in the 1991 NASCAR Busch Grand National championship, now known as the Xfinity Series. The stakes were high entering the final race at Martinsville Speedway, but Wallace’s shot at victory slipped away due to mechanical issues. This setback paved the way for Bobby Labonte, who secured the championship by finishing fifth in the race.
In a recent “Coffee with Kenny” video, the now 62-year-old Wallace recounted the impact of that defeat and discussed the steps he took to move forward. After losing the 1991 title, Wallace sought help through sports therapy as part of his recovery, drawing a direct line between his own struggles and what Hamlin is facing now.
“I can relate. In 1991, I lost the Bush Grand National championship on the very last race at Martinsville to Bobby Labonte. It crushed me. I took sports therapy. There, I admit it. I hope you feel better. I made myself feel bad to make you feel better. You can see my face getting serious right now.”
Kenny Wallace’s words highlight the deep emotional toll that losing a championship can take on a competitor. He emphasized how real and lasting the heartbreak can be, hoping that Hamlin might find some comfort in knowing others have endured similar losses and ultimately managed to heal.
“So, Denny Hamlin getting over the heartbreak of the championship right there. He had it won. As he said, 40 seconds and he was going to be the NASCAR Cup champion and his dream was going to be realized. He will get over it. The same way I got over. But I do feel bad for him to have that championship snatched away, literally snatched away.”
Hamlin’s Championship Pursuits and Recent Disappointment
Denny Hamlin, a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, has been at the center of several dramatic NASCAR Cup Series championship battles over the years. Known for his fierce competitiveness, Hamlin came painfully close to his first title at Phoenix after leading a race-high 208 laps, only to see the 2025 championship go to Kyle Larson. Hamlin’s ongoing quest for a championship has become one of NASCAR’s most emotionally intense storylines, with fans rallying around him through each twist and setback.
Wallace’s empathy reflects broader sentiments in the racing world, where drivers like Hamlin face immense pressure and expectations from their teams, families, and fans. The deep disappointment of a championship heartbreak resonates not only with athletes themselves but also with those who follow the sport passionately.
Kenny Wallace Commends Denny Hamlin’s Daughter
During the same interview, Kenny Wallace expressed admiration for Hamlin’s daughter, Taylor, whom he affectionately calls “Taylor TV.” Wallace spoke with genuine warmth about Taylor’s personality, believing she has the potential for fame in the future.
“Taylor, his daughter—I call her Taylor TV because she’s gonna be famous. Denny Hamlin and Jordan, uh they raised some good kids. At Taylor, she’s gonna be famous. She would do some recording in the NASCAR day some three years ago. “She’s a great actress and a good singer,” Wallace said.
Denny Hamlin and his fiancée, Jordan Fish, have built a family together, raising Taylor James born in 2013, Molly Gold born in 2017, and their son Jameson Drew, who joined the family in June 2025. Having been together since 2007, Hamlin and Fish announced their engagement at the beginning of 2024, further cementing their commitment and family bond.
The Broader Impact of Championship Heartbreak in NASCAR
The stories shared by Kenny Wallace and Denny Hamlin underscore the emotional intensity and unpredictable nature of professional racing. For athletes competing at the highest level, the line between triumph and heartbreak is razor-thin, and the psychological effects can last well beyond the checkered flag. Their willingness to discuss these moments openly brings greater understanding to the challenges faced by elite drivers.
As Hamlin looks ahead, backed by his team at Joe Gibbs Racing and the support of his loved ones, fans and fellow drivers alike will watch as he strives to overcome the emotional setback and continue chasing his elusive first title. Wallace’s support serves as a reminder of the resilience needed in the world of motorsports and the brotherhood among those who share its highs and lows.
“Coffee with Kenny”
My opinion on @dennyhamlin getting over the loss of the @NASCAR CUP Championship ❤️ pic.twitter.com/F7opausyNe
— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) November 10, 2025
