During the Kansas race‘s final lap in overtime, Denny Hamlin made a reckless attempt to pass Bubba Wallace in Turn 3, resulting in a collision that disrupted the outcome for both drivers. The incident, now widely referred to as the Denny Hamlin Kansas incident, sparked intense frustration as Hamlin crashed into the rear of Wallace’s car, sending him into the wall and causing Wallace to finish fifth instead of contending for the win.
Although Hamlin was able to control his car and secure a second-place finish, the aggressive move derailed Wallace’s chances, prompting the #23 driver to express his anger with an offensive gesture and harsh words. NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. has since criticized Hamlin’s decision, highlighting the unnecessary risk Hamlin took against Wallace—a driver he technically manages as part of his 23XI Racing team.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Voices Strong Disapproval of Hamlin’s Move
Reflecting on the controversial collision, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was unambiguous in his disapproval of Hamlin’s risky maneuver. On his podcast, Dale Jr. stated he could not support Hamlin’s actions, especially given that Hamlin is the team owner of Wallace’s car. Earnhardt emphasized the consequences Hamlin’s recklessness could have caused, noting the pressures and conflicts that would arise from endangering a teammate’s race position.
No, I can’t applaud it, … Not like that, not with the car you own. If I was out there and drove down into the corner and put one of my guys into the wall, how much f*cking fires would I be putting out today?
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said on Dale Jr. download.
Earnhardt’s comments pointed to the broader implications for team dynamics and leadership responsibilities in NASCAR, as Hamlin’s actions went beyond normal competitive instincts and veered into unnecessary aggression against a teammate.
The Collision’s Impact on the Final Race Results
At the Kansas Speedway, the clash between Hamlin and Wallace dominated the closing moments of an intense race. Wallace, who was on track for a career-best victory, lost crucial momentum and several spots, finishing in fifth place. Meanwhile, Chase Elliott capitalized on the wreck and slipped by to take the win, while Hamlin secured second despite the chaos he caused.
Wallace’s visible frustration marked the end of the race; after the crash, he flipped off Hamlin and verbally expressed his displeasure. The incident revealed the tension lingering not only between these two drivers but also within the 23XI Racing organization, where Hamlin’s role as both competitor and boss complicates rivalries.
Earnhardt Jr. Labels Hamlin’s Move as Excessive and Unnecessary
While acknowledging that NASCAR is a fiercely competitive sport where every driver races intensely, Dale Earnhardt Jr. felt Hamlin’s move crossed a line. He described the decision as “a little too much,” suggesting that Hamlin could have pursued a different strategy that didn’t involve risking both cars’ chances. Earnhardt underlined that racing hard is expected but reckless hits on teammates undermine team success.
Everybody’s gonna race as their competitors, I’m just saying this is a little too much. … It’s not the end of the world, I just think he could have done it differently and one of the two cars wins the race. He doesn’t have to let up, he doesn’t have to fall in line. Why did he not go to the bottom, right?
Dale Earnhardt Jr. noted
The critique suggests that Hamlin’s failure to take an alternative lower line or hold back slightly prevented either car from taking the win and resulted in a worse outcome for both drivers.
Season Overview: Hamlin and Wallace’s Ongoing Rivalry
Denny Hamlin remains the winningest driver of the 2025 NASCAR season with consistent top-tier performances. Bubba Wallace has also had a breakthrough year, highlighted by his historic victory at the Indianapolis 500—an achievement that placed him firmly on the sport’s radar. Yet, despite their successes, the Kansas incident exposed cracks in collaboration and raised questions about how the two teammates will coexist going forward.
The intensity of their rivalry at Kansas could shape interactions between Hamlin and Wallace in future races. Managing competition between teammates who race hard but share ownership stakes is a complex balancing act that will require diplomacy to avoid further confrontations.
What This Means for Future NASCAR Team Dynamics
The fallout from the Kansas collision underscores the challenges within NASCAR teams that field multiple drivers under the same ownership. Incidents like this one put pressure on team leadership to maintain harmony while encouraging aggressive driving necessary for wins. Earnhardt Jr.’s pointed criticism of Hamlin serves as a reminder that actions on the track have repercussions beyond a single race.
As the season progresses, the expectation is that 23XI Racing’s leadership and drivers will find strategies to compete fiercely yet respectfully, aiming to deliver the best results for all parties involved. The incident at Kansas could either be a turning point for more careful collaboration or the start of a prolonged conflict between Hamlin and Wallace.
