A tense moment unfolded at Kansas Speedway when Denny Hamlin, pursuing his 60th career NASCAR Cup Series victory, collided with teammate Bubba Wallace on an overtime lap. The incident happened during a critical race moment, as Wallace was also chasing his second win of the season. Hamlin’s aggressive move pushed Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota Camry into the outside wall, allowing Chase Elliott to seize victory by just 0.069 seconds. This clash marks another heated on-track confrontation for Hamlin, who had earlier spun teammate Ty Gibbs at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
During the race, Hamlin had dominated 159 laps, intensifying pressures as he sought to break Kevin Harvick’s record for most wins. Wallace, meanwhile, remained a strong competitor, aiming to convert his chances into race success. When asked if he planned to adjust how he races Hamlin moving forward, Wallace shared his perspective with reporter Dalton Hopkins.
“I’ve always been big on how you race me is how I race you. No matter who you are, what it is…we race hard every week. Toyota drivers race hard every week, but we respect each other. There’s a fine line that sometimes gets crossed, and you have to understand that, but we got one more race at the ROVAL.”
“For me, it’s a must-win there, but we’re gonna go and do what we did today; fight hard and just make the most of it,” he added.
Bubba Wallace Remains in Playoff Hunt with Strong Season Record
Bubba Wallace stands as the sole 23XI Racing driver to have advanced into this year’s NASCAR playoffs via race wins. Currently 12th in the playoff standings, Wallace trails the cutoff line by 27 points heading into the season’s final stretch. The Alabama native has delivered five top-five finishes and 13 top-10 results in 31 races, highlighted by his win at the Brickyard 400 in July. These performances underline his consistent competitiveness amid intense championship pressure.
Wallace’s Candid Reaction to Denny Hamlin’s Race Tactics Draws Attention
Following the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway on September 28, Wallace spoke bluntly about the tension during the race, which pitted him against his team owner and competitor, Denny Hamlin. Wallace openly expressed frustration over Hamlin’s late-race move that ultimately denied him a shot at victory and allowed Chevrolet’s Chase Elliott to claim the win.
“Two years ago I’d probably say something dumb,” Bubba Wallace said in a post-race release. “He’s a dumb*** for that move. I don’t care if he’s my boss or not. But we’re going for the win. I hate that we gave it to Chevrolet there.”
Upcoming Challenge at Charlotte’s ROVAL Offers a Must-Win Opportunity
Wallace’s next chance to reclaim momentum comes at the Bank of America ROVAL road course at Charlotte Motor Speedway, scheduled for Sunday, October 5. This 109-lap event will bring a pivotal test in the playoffs, televised live on USA Network starting at 3 p.m. ET, with radio updates from PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Given its significance as a “must-win” race for Wallace, tensions and determination are expected to run high as he strives to secure his place in the championship fight.
Intensity Among Toyota Drivers Highlights Ongoing Competitive Rivalries
The fierce rivalry between Hamlin and Wallace is part of a wider pattern among Toyota drivers who regularly contest fiercely on track, pushing the limits of respect and racing aggression. These dynamics underscore the challenges within teams where multiple drivers compete not only for victories but also for championship positioning. With tensions seemingly unresolved, their clash at Kansas Speedway signals that the remaining races in the 2025 season will feature high-stakes battles, both on and off the track.
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