The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Kansas Speedway showcased a tense showdown, with Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace as central figures in the contest. Hamlin, starting from pole, dominated much of the event by leading 159 laps and collecting stage points, including the fastest lap in the Xfinity series that day. Following his 59th career win at Gateway in the Round of 16, Hamlin was aiming to secure his milestone 60th victory. Yet, the race’s outcome was dramatically altered during a two-lap overtime restart in the closing laps.
Charging from sixth place, Hamlin executed a bold maneuver on race leader Bubba Wallace entering Turn 3. Diving low into the corner, Hamlin made contact that pushed Wallace into the wall, disrupting the momentum of both Toyota drivers. This incident opened the door for Chase Elliott to seize the win. After the race, Wallace voiced his disapproval sharply.
He’s a dumb–s for that move. I don’t care if he’s my boss or not,
Wallace said about Hamlin’s aggressive pass.
Steve Letarte Discusses Hamlin’s Final-Lap Decision
NASCAR analyst Steve Letarte offered insight into the conflicting roles Hamlin was embodying in that moment. He explained,
You’re on board with driver Denny Hamlin. You’re not on board with team owner Denny Hamlin right here. When he puts his fire suit on, he’s a race car driver.
Hamlin’s identity as the driver propelled him to make a fierce push for victory, yet mistakes like a costly pit stop that lost him track position complicated matters further during the Hollywood Casino 400.
Letarte elaborated on the on-track incident, describing how Hamlin ran Wallace’s No. 23 car up the track, resulting in a tight squeeze that allowed Elliott’s No. 9 to pass.
He drove down in there and he ran the 23 up, and they got tight, and the 9 gets by…Look, I’m okay with it. It was a pit stop that took him out of the lead. It happens. It’s human error. Issue on the pit stop of the draft.
As one of the co-owners of 23XI Racing alongside Michael Jordan, Hamlin’s actions affect more than just his personal race, especially with the team under recent legal and charter pressures this season.
Letarte further assessed Wallace’s frustration, commenting on the natural tension between teammates when ownership and driving collide on track.
Bubba Wallace is frustrated, as he should… It’s okay that everybody hates one another. Bubba Wallace, he came over… The day that an owner drives a car as an owner, and that’s not good. That’s not what people buy tickets for. That’s not what people watch for.
The unique dynamic of 23XI Racing’s public co-ownership adds layers of scrutiny and complexity to such incidents, turning racing conflicts into broader conversations about loyalty and team politics.
On social media, Letarte summed up the contradiction Hamlin faces:
Denny the Owner vs. Denny the Driver. I’m not sure how he does it different and still have a chance to win the race…
He also explained his view on the nature of Hamlin’s passing move:
I want Denny Hamlin to drive for race win 60, and that’s what he did right there. And I’ll be honest. I’ve watched turns 3 and 4 multiple times, and I believe that if Denny doesn’t drive in there very, very deep, the 23 goes around him on the outside. So I’m not sure how Denny does it different and still have a chance to win the race. I’m okay with it all,
Letarte said, pointing to Hamlin’s history of aggressive passes, even those that complicate runs for his teammates at tracks such as Gateway.
He added:
I know that’s unpopular. We’re supposed to have some sort of scientific breakdown. I applaud. No, it’s okay that Bubba Wallace is pissed. That’s okay, too. He should be, because he drove in the door by the guy that owns the car. That’s a frustrating go.
This kind of dispute fuels ongoing debates among fans, media, and the NASCAR community, especially with Chase Elliott’s late-race pass enhancing the drama as the playoffs advance. Letarte’s defense of Hamlin was echoed by others after the race.
Jeff Gordon Shows Empathy for Hamlin’s Missed Opportunity
Denny Hamlin’s performance at Kansas was commanding through the first two stages, but his final clash with teammate Bubba Wallace prevented him from achieving his 60th career victory. Reflecting on the incident, Hamlin conceded,
I ruined it for us,
acknowledging the disappointment as he settled for a second-place finish. Chase Elliott, restarting from eighth, edged Hamlin by a razor-thin 0.069 seconds to claim the win.
Jeff Gordon, a NASCAR veteran with 93 wins and four championships, related to Hamlin’s frustration.
I can’t remember many of the ones that I won, but I can tell you all the ones I lost,
Gordon shared, highlighting how mistakes and missed chances linger with drivers.
And that’s the way I feel right now. I feel pain because we had a golden opportunity right there, and I ruined it for us.
Hamlin elaborated on the factors behind his risky move, recalling the pressure and technical difficulties during the race.
I got really close to the 23. 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,
he admitted, citing a poor pit stop and power steering problems.
I wanted it for my dad, for everybody. Just wanted it a little bit too hard.
Despite the setback, Hamlin remains strong in the points standings and aims to secure a critical victory at Charlotte before the Round of 8 begins.
Implications of Hamlin’s Move for the NASCAR Playoffs
Denny Hamlin’s controversial late-race move at Kansas highlights the complex tensions that arise when a driver is also a team owner, especially with the playoff stakes so high. His decision sacrificed the immediate opportunity for victory and intensified rivalry within 23XI Racing, reflecting the difficulties of balancing personal ambition and team responsibilities. This incident sparked sharp divisions among fans and analysts, underscoring how individual actions in NASCAR often carry broader repercussions for team dynamics and championship prospects.
As the playoffs progress, the fallout from this race is likely to influence both on-track strategies and off-track relationships, particularly at upcoming events like Charlotte. Hamlin’s quest for milestone wins continues under heightened scrutiny, while the interplay of competitive intensity and ownership responsibilities remains a defining narrative in this pivotal phase of the NASCAR season.
Denny the Owner vs. Denny the Driver.
I'm not sure how he does it different and still have a chance to win the race…
Full Breakdown: https://t.co/taIbNxpWSZ pic.twitter.com/9ycm9KeGfz
— Steve Letarte (@SteveLetarte) September 29, 2025
