Monday, December 29, 2025

Denny Hamlin Hails Bubba Wallace’s Indy Win as the “Next Step” for 23XI Racing’s Breakthrough Season

Bubba Wallace ended a 100-race winless streak by securing a dramatic victory at the Brickyard 400 held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This win was a significant achievement for both Wallace and 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, reinforcing their potential in a challenging <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/”>NASCAR season. Denny Hamlin praised Wallace’s performance, describing it as a crucial advancement for the team’s ongoing development and success.

23XI Racing Faces Off-Track Challenges While Excelling On Track

Despite 23XI Racing grappling with legal difficulties, including an antitrust lawsuit that led to the team losing its charter status, Bubba Wallace demonstrated remarkable resilience. These off-track issues threatened to overshadow the team’s performance, but Wallace maintained focus during the 2025 season. Hamlin emphasized that Wallace’s victory at Indianapolis serves as a pivotal moment, signaling readiness for the team to elevate to a higher competitive level.

Denny Hamlin Reflects on Wallace’s Indy Win and Team Capabilities

Hamlin shared that he discussed Wallace’s impressive victory with fellow co-owner Michael Jordan, highlighting the historic significance of the Indianapolis track as a true test of driver skill, team coordination, and engine performance. He noted that, unlike current races which feature next-generation cars with distinct characteristics, the Brickyard 400 remains a platform where top drivers and teams reveal their strengths and potential.

Denny Hamlin
Image of: Denny Hamlin

Yeah, I talked about it. It’s the next step for the team. I always thought that this racetrack was always a showcase of driver, team, engine, all the things. It just was. It was. It was a showcase of that. 
Denny Hamlin said via Frontstretch

Hamlin added that although next-gen cars have altered racing dynamics at Indy, qualifying sessions still highlight the dominance of top competitors. Bubba Wallace’s ability to outperform the field throughout the race was a clear indicator of 23XI Racing’s competence and competitive edge at this celebrated venue.

“Now, obviously, with the Next Gen car, it’s a little bit different. But when it comes to qualifying — and even in the race — look at it. It was all the top drivers that you see every week running up front there. It always brings out the best — the best drivers and the best teams.
Denny Hamlin added.

Significance of Wallace’s Win for 23XI Racing’s Season Outlook

Heading into the latter part of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, 23XI Racing was struggling to secure victories, making Wallace’s breakthrough win at the Brickyard a timely boost. Hamlin described the victory as “super valuable,” emphasizing its importance not only for Wallace’s battle to qualify for the playoffs but also for the overall morale and momentum of the team.</p>

So this is our first win of the season — our only win. For it to come for the No. 23 team, while they’re in a battle for a playoff spot, that’s big for them. And for the team overall, these things are super valuable for us.
Denny Hamlin noted.

This victory secured Wallace’s place in the upcoming playoffs, marking the start of his campaign for the championship. With only five races remaining in the regular season and four playoff spots still available, the team’s focus will turn toward maintaining this momentum and performing strongly in the closing events of the year.

The Road Ahead: Expectations for 23XI Racing Post-Indy Win

As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series moves closer to its championship phase, the breakthrough win at Indianapolis represents a turning point for 23XI Racing. Denny Hamlin’s optimistic yet measured reflections suggest the team is ready to build on this success despite previous setbacks. The victory shines a spotlight on Bubba Wallace’s growing impact as a driver and points to a hopeful progression for the team as it navigates challenging circumstances both on and off the track.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?

A. Since he started racing full-time in the Cup Series with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2006, Hamlin has achieved a remarkable career. He has won 51 times in the Cup Series and claimed victory at the Daytona 500 three times in 2016, 2019, and 2020. Over the years, he has also earned millions.

Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?

A. Denny Hamlin has a net worth of about $65 million due to his successful racing career, profitable endorsements, thriving team ownership, and wise real estate investments. He keeps making smart decisions both while racing and managing his team.