Bubba Wallace addressed the tension from his recent last-lap collision with team owner and fellow driver Denny Hamlin during the race at Kansas Speedway. The incident occurred as both drivers vied for the lead, with Hamlin forcing Wallace into the outside wall in the final corner, costing both momentum and allowing Chase Elliott to overtake them for the victory. The emotional fallout from this clash remained with Wallace throughout the week before the Bank of America Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Efforts to Resolve Differences with Hamlin
Wallace and Hamlin spoke directly on the day before the Charlotte race, engaging in a lengthy conversation described by Wallace as a
“good heart-to-heart conversation that came from a place of peace.”
Despite the week’s somber mood, Wallace expressed relief at the dialogue that addressed their conflicting perspectives.
Reflecting on the week, Wallace admitted,
“It was definitely a somber week, for sure,”
underscoring the emotional toll the clash took given their shared team ownership with Michael Jordan under 23XI Racing.
Understanding Each Other’s Perspectives
During their discussion, Hamlin and Wallace found common ground by openly sharing their points of view. Wallace noted,
“It went better than I thought it would. He shared his side of things, and I shared mine, and we had common ground.”
Wallace also surprised Hamlin by revealing that he did not hold personal resentment over the aggressive move that caused the crash.
Clarifying his stance, Wallace said,
“I don’t fault Denny Hamlin for racing for a win, for racing for his team and his sponsors,”
emphasizing respect for Hamlin’s competitive drive despite the collision’s consequences.
Wallace’s Perspective on On-Track Competition
Wallace further explained the nature of racing against Hamlin, stating,
“I get the question a lot, ‘What’s it like racing Denny on the race track?’ No offense to them, but I could give two (expletive), because he’s a competitor, and he’s labeled it that way.”
He described the incident as a clash between two competitors striving for victory, admitting,
“as much as it didn’t work out, I have to respect that … My biggest thing is that Toyota didn’t win.”
What Wallace Thinks Hamlin Could Have Done Differently
Looking back at the incident, Wallace suggested a different racing line Hamlin could have taken to avoid contact:
“You turn left and go for the bottom—as simple as that,”
highlighting a possible way to maintain competitiveness without causing a wreck.
Significance and Implications for Future Races
The conflict between Wallace and Hamlin at Kansas brought to light the complexities of competing within the same team ownership while fiercely battling for wins on the track. Their ability to communicate and find mutual respect after the incident could set a tone for how future on-track rivalries within 23XI Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing unfold. With Wallace expressing a hope for better outcomes and acknowledging the competitive nature of Hamlin, their interactions will likely influence strategies and team dynamics moving forward.
