Denny Hamlin, known for his ability to perform under pressure, faced unexpected challenges during Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway that derailed his pursuit of his 60th NASCAR Cup Series victory. The incident unfolded late in the race, when Hamlin, contending with mechanical problems and racing aggressively for the win, made a costly error that not only thwarted his milestone but also impacted Playoff standings and Chase Elliott’s winning opportunity. The Denny Hamlin Kansas crash became a focal point as Hamlin reflected on his rare mistake in a high-stakes race.
Mechanical Issues and Pit Road Mistakes Affect Strong Performance
Hamlin dominated much of the race despite setbacks, leading a race-high 159 laps and winning both Stages while driving his No. 11 SportClips Toyota Camry XSE. However, late in the race, he faced mechanical troubles including a loss of power steering and electrical issues that impaired his control. These challenges were compounded by a pit road mistake just before the finish, which cast doubt on his ability to secure the win. Even so, Hamlin fought back aggressively and positioned himself for a final lap battle, but his efforts to pass Bubba Wallace resulted in a crash that involved both drivers.
Final Lap Collision Alters Outcome and Playoff Implications
In the closing moments, Hamlin and Wallace engaged in a tense duel that culminated in their collision, allowing Chase Elliott to overtake and win the race. Wallace, a teammate and car co-owner with Hamlin, was denied a chance to advance in the Playoffs following the incident. Hamlin explained the crash as an aggressive push to reach a significant career landmark at the 1.5-mile Kansas track, where he also made his NASCAR debut. The intense competition and mechanical handicaps contributed to Hamlin misjudging his car’s handling, particularly due to the power steering loss.
Hamlin Reflects on Disappointment and Responsibility for Crash
“We had no power steering on the last run and low voltage, just a lot of things. I’m just disappointed because I’ve never had a car that good to the competition. I wanted it for my dad, I wanted it for everybody. I wanted it a little too hard,”
Hamlin said after the race.
He acknowledged the frustration of losing what felt like a perfect opportunity at the Kansas Speedway, a venue tied closely to his early career.
“Just massive disappointment. I don’t know how else to say it. Just massive disappointment. I’m thinking all race, this is our race. I’d love to get my 60th [win] here, at the track where I got my very first start,”
Hamlin explained.
“And I wanted to do it with two different teammates on the pit wall, and it just didn’t happen.”
Hamlin expressed regret over costing Wallace a shot at victory, especially considering Wallace’s strong form this season, highlighted by his Brickyard 400 win.
Hamlin Defends Racing Style Amid Setbacks and Future Considerations
Despite the crash, Hamlin insisted he would have made the same aggressive moves regardless of who was outside him in the final laps. He laid out how he might approach the situation differently with the benefit of hindsight, taking into account his impaired steering.
“I would have raced everyone the same way,”
Hamlin stated.
“I’m going for 60. Nobody will ever accuse me of laying over for anyone for a win.”
Continuing, he added,
“Obviously, not having power steering there was not ideal. And obviously, I got really close to [Bubba Wallace]. If I had to do it all over again, I think I’d run a little bit lower to allow a space between us so I don’t get so tight, and try to turn the wheel more.”
Playoff Context and Future Outlook for Hamlin and Wallace
While Bubba Wallace now faces a difficult task at the upcoming Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, trailing 26 points below the Playoff cutline, Hamlin holds a comfortable position, sitting 48 points above the elimination threshold with one race remaining in the Playoffs Round of 12. Hamlin’s pursuit of his 60th career win, which would tie him with Kevin Harvick for 10th on the all-time winner list, continues amid his ongoing quest for a first NASCAR Cup Series championship. Recent conflicts with Wallace at Kansas and teammate Ty Gibbs at New Hampshire suggest that Hamlin may need to balance his competitive instincts with longer-term Playoff strategies.
Implications of Hamlin’s Kansas Setback
The Kansas crash represents a critical moment for Hamlin and 23XI Racing, emphasizing how mechanical failures and split-second decisions can influence career milestones and Playoff trajectories. While the missed opportunity clouds his immediate aspirations, Hamlin remains focused on overcoming adversity to strengthen his championship bid. The incident also underscores tensions within the team and the wider NASCAR Playoffs, showcasing the fine margins between victory and defeat at this level of competition.
An absolutely wild finish in Kansas today. Let's watch it again. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/wxJMGeHdX2
— Toby Christie (@Toby_Christie) September 28, 2025
