During the closing stages of Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series event at Kansas Speedway, 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace appeared on course to secure his second victory of the 2025 season and advance to the third playoff round for the first time. However, his bid was abruptly ended in the last turn when Denny Hamlin, fellow 23XI co-owner and driver, made contact, causing Wallace to lose control. Subsequently, Chase Elliott overtook Hamlin to claim the win.
The incident escalated immediately after the race, as Wallace expressed his frustration over the radio, calling Hamlin a “f—ing d—-e” and later displayed his anger on the track by flashing the middle finger at Hamlin while passing him on the back stretch.
Hamlin’s Reaction to Wallace’s Gesture and Language
Unlike what might be expected in many professional settings, Hamlin showed no offense over Wallace’s provocative gesture and harsh words. In fact, Hamlin admitted he might have behaved similarly if the roles were reversed, though he emphasized a key distinction regarding where such conduct is appropriate.
Hamlin clarified on his Actions Detrimental podcast,
“If he were to flip me off in 23XI (facilities), as the car owner, we’d have employer-employee problems,”
illustrating the difference between professional boundaries off the track and competitive emotions during the race. He continued,
“But as a competitor, he’s flipping off the driver of the 11. I don’t have an issue with that.”
He defended the heat of competition, adding,
“I think you can motherf— the driver of the 11 because you’re upset that the finish didn’t go as you hoped. But anything directed at me as the owner, I would certainly, certainly have exception to that. Because as an owner, I know the tremendous resources that myself and (co-owner) Michael (Jordan) give Bubba every single week to go out there and compete.”
Implications for Wallace’s Playoff Chances and Team Dynamics
The consequences of this confrontation extend beyond momentary frustration. If Wallace had maintained the lead and won, he would have secured a spot in the third round of the playoffs, marking a milestone in his career. Instead, he enters the final race of the second round facing significant pressure, likely needing a victory at Charlotte to advance further.
Meanwhile, Hamlin’s position remains strong, with points virtually ensuring his progression irrespective of Wallace’s outcome. This dynamic adds complexity to their relationship as teammates and co-owners, where competitive instincts clash with shared team interests.
While fierce competition is expected in NASCAR’s playoff intensity, questions remain about Hamlin’s racing conduct towards Wallace during the critical moments. Many observers wonder if Hamlin could have exercised greater restraint, considering the stakes involved for Wallace’s playoff aspirations.
What to Expect Next in NASCAR’s Heated Rivalry
This episode highlights the fine line between aggressive racing and team tension, underscoring the challenges within 23XI Racing as both drivers strive for success. The fallout from the Kansas incident is likely to influence how Hamlin and Wallace interact on and off the track moving forward.
With the Charlotte race looming, Wallace’s situation demands urgency and strong performance, while Hamlin’s consistent points make his advancement more assured. The rivalry adds an intense narrative to the final playoff rounds, capturing attention across NASCAR fans and analysts alike.
.@BubbaWallace was not happy with @dennyhamlin following the checkered flag at Kansas. 🫢 pic.twitter.com/aqTaZcUTsG
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 29, 2025
Sometimes middle fingers are okay… but let’s keep them on the track. 💥 pic.twitter.com/tTGpkctoNS
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) September 30, 2025
