At the recent NASCAR race in Kansas, tension flared between Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin, spotlighting the intense dynamic inside 23XI Racing. The Bubba Wallace Kansas clash culminated in a dramatic final lap where Hamlin, struggling with a malfunctioning car, aggressively moved beneath Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota. This maneuver forced Wallace into the wall, compromising both cars and allowing Chase Elliott to claim victory and a spot in the playoffRound of 8.
Race Dynamics and the Impact on Playoff Standings
The sequence unfolded on the last restart, with Hamlin fighting to control his power-steering-less vehicle. His move to pass Wallace on the backstretch caused contact that slowed both drivers. Elliott’s timely pass secured a Hendrick Chevrolet triumph while Wallace, who was in position to clinch a playoff berth with a win, finished fifth. This result left him in 10th place in the points standings, trailing the cutoff by 26 points.
Bubba Wallace Voices Frustration Over Hamlin’s Driving
Wallace expressed his disappointment openly after the race, highlighting the lost opportunity for both himself and Toyota at Kansas.
“It’s unfortunate. I was excited to race Denny for the win, and we ended up fifth and gave the nine a win. So that’s what’s frustrating the most. We couldn’t get Toyota to victory lane. We’ve been working really hard to get our program back here at Kansas. We still got a lot of work to do. Played all of our cards right,”
he stated.
When asked if he had discussed the incident with Hamlin, Wallace was unequivocal:
“Can’t talk to him.”
He elaborated,
“I’ve always been big on how you race me is our issue. No matter who you are, what you’re doing, what it is, we race hard, we race hard every week, Toyota drivers race really hard every week, but we respect each other. And there’s a fine line that sometimes you cross and you have to understand that.”
Fan Reactions Highlight Perceived Double Standards
The incident did not go unnoticed by fans, many of whom criticized Wallace for what they viewed as hypocrisy. Several pointed out Wallace’s own aggressive driving moments against other competitors. One fan commented,
Image of: Bubba Wallace
“He did the same thing to Bell 2-3 times before Hamlin did,”
while another wrote,
“Wanted to race the 11 for the win??? Well you did the same thing to the 20 the 11 did to you the lap before.”
Another observer added,
“Did he forget he did the thing to Bell like 3 times?? And I believe Bell drives a Toyota♂️.”
Further critique suggested Wallace should reflect on how he races others:
“Should’ve asked him how he raced Bell.”
Wallace Focuses on Playoff Survival at the Upcoming Roval Race
As tensions simmer, Wallace is turning his attention to the Round of 12 playoff finale at the Roval, where his season hangs in the balance. Being below the playoff cutline, he faces a pressing need to win. Despite the previous clash and the backlash, Wallace intends to maintain an aggressive and determined style on track, battling fiercely to keep his championship hopes alive.
“Can’t talk to him. … I’ve always been big on how you race me is how I race you”@BubbaWallace was a corner away from a win in Kansas before he had contact with his boss Denny Hamlin
