Bubba Wallace, driving for 23XI Racing, suffered a major setback at Kansas when he was nearly a lap away from winning before Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota made contact with Wallace’s No. 23 Camry, causing him to crash into the wall. This incident allowed Chase Elliott, driving a Chevy, to claim the victory while Wallace was left frustrated and facing pressure to win at the upcoming Roval race. The conflict intensified when Wallace expressed his anger by making an obscene gesture during the cool down lap aimed at Hamlin.
Hamlin Addresses Wallace’s Reaction and Its Meaning
During a recent episode of the Actions Detrimental podcast, veteran racer Hamlin publicly addressed the gesture made by Wallace. He clarified that he is not offended when the gesture comes from a competitor racing against him rather than as a team owner. Hamlin explained that being flipped off on the track is part of the competitive emotions drivers experience when results don’t go their way.
“If he were to flip me off in 23XI as the car owner, we’d have employer-employee problems. But as a competitor, he’s flipping off the driver of the 11. I don’t have an issue with that. I think you can (expletive) the driver of the 11 because you’re upset that the finish didn’t go as you hoped…” Denny Hamlin said on Actions Detrimental podcast.
Hamlin emphasized that his acceptance of the gesture hinges on the context—it is allowable as long as it targets him the racer and not the team owner. He pointed out the significant investment he and Michael Jordan, co-owners of 23XI Racing, have made to support Wallace’s career.
“…But anything directed to me as an owner, I would certainly, certainly have exception to that. As an owner, I know the tremendous resources that myself and Michael [Jordan] give Bubba every single week to go out and compete.” Denny Hamlin added.
Hamlin Rejects Notion of Internal Backlash After the Clash
Regarding speculation that the incident could cause a divide within Toyota Racing Development’s (TRD) camp, Hamlin dismissed the idea. He argued that the focus should be on the disappointment of all Toyota drivers narrowly missing out on wins rather than on friction between teammates competing hard on the track. Hamlin questioned whether the team should resent drivers racing aggressively for victories or lament when a driver refuses to yield a win.
“I mean, there shouldn’t be. Why should there be? Should Toyotas be upset that their drivers were going for the win, or should they be upset that the second-place guy didn’t let the first-place guy go and win the race?” Denny Hamlin said.
Hamlin reinforced his desire to see Bubba Wallace succeed but admitted that his own competitive nature prevents him from giving up his chance to win if Wallace is racing him directly. This determination has been a hallmark of Hamlin’s lengthy career, spanning over two decades of top-level NASCAR competition.
“Everyone has a right to think their own possible way, but there’s nobody on that racetrack that would like to see the 23XI cars win more than me, I can assure you of that. I am the most biased driver on that track that will do whatever I can for the 23XI cars. But if it comes at compromising my chance to win, that’s too much to ask.” Denny Hamlin added.
Critical Decision at Kansas Alters Season Trajectory
Hamlin’s aggressive move at Kansas, expected from a fierce competitor, ultimately backfired, costing him a chance at his milestone 60th career win. His contact with Wallace’s car resulted in a crash that robbed both drivers of potential victories and handed the win to Chase Elliott. The incident has triggered disappointment across the TRD drivers who came close but ultimately missed out on victory at the venue.
For Bubba Wallace, the collision not only cost a probable landmark win but has also intensified pressure as he approaches what many consider a “must-win” race at the Roval. The fallout has sparked conversations about the dynamics within the 23XI Racing team and the fine balance between team loyalty and individual competition on the track.
Implications for 23XI Racing and Future Competitions
The confrontation highlighted the complexity of being both teammates and competitors in an intensely competitive sport. As 23XI Racing co-owners Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan continue to invest heavily in Wallace’s racing future, the expectation for success is high, yet tension is inevitable when drivers race for wins.
The incident at Kansas may prompt further reflection within the team on race strategies and driver communication to avoid future collisions that hurt their chances. At the same time, Hamlin’s candid remarks underscore the reality that on-track aggression is part of the sport and must be managed carefully to maintain competitiveness without damaging relationships.
As the NASCAR season progresses, all eyes will be on both Wallace and Hamlin to see how their rivalry evolves and whether 23XI Racing can convert their potential into wins without conflict undermining their efforts.
