Denny Hamlin’s aggressive maneuver against Bubba Wallace at Kansas Speedway during NASCAR Overtime has reignited debate across the racing community, marking a pivotal moment in the Bubba Wallace Kansas controversy. Kevin Harvick stepped forward to defend Hamlin’s actions, emphasizing the intense pressure drivers face when balancing competing roles.
Throughout the race, Hamlin demonstrated dominance by leading 159 laps and winning both stages, even while contending with steering difficulties in the final 50 laps. However, in the closing moments under NASCAR Overtime rules, Hamlin challenged Wallace on the last restart, diving beneath him in Turn 3. Their contact slowed both drivers, allowing Chase Elliott, who had started the restart from 10th place, to surge ahead and claim the win by a mere 0.069 seconds.
Kevin Harvick Explains the Challenges in Balancing Driving and Ownership
During his appearance on Harvick Happy Hour on X, Harvick spoke candidly about the difficult position Hamlin was in, as both a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing and co-owner of 23XI Racing. Harvick stated,
“I’ve been in the position that Denny Hamlin is in currently, where you drive another team and you own cars, and it’s really, really difficult because if he doesn’t drive in there and try to win the race and do what he did, his team is gonna be mad.” – Kevin Harvick, NASCAR driver and team owner
“And, when it worked out the way it did, the only rule that he broke is, one of you better win, and it took both teams out of the contention and it handed the gimme to Chase Elliott.” – Kevin Harvick, NASCAR driver and team owner
Hamlin racing against his own driver, Bubba Wallace, complicated the stakes. When Hamlin’s attempt to seize victory fell short, it not only affected his own chances but significantly impacted Wallace’s, enabling Elliott to secure victory. This outcome was a blow to both drivers’ playoff ambitions; Hamlin finished second, while Wallace dropped below the critical Round of 8 cutoff.
Denny Hamlin Addresses the Controversy Head-On After the Race
Following the intense finish and ensuing backlash, Hamlin used his podcast Actions Detrimental to clarify his perspective and reject calls for an apology regarding the Kansas incident. He firmly stated,
“If they’re wanting an apology, they can turn off now,” – Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver and 23XI Racing co-owner
“On Sunday, I am the driver. People expect me to be the guy with the 23XI shirt on when I’m in the #11 car and that’s just not possible. Zero doubts in my mind, I was racing the #23 the same as I would race anybody in that moment.” – Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver and 23XI Racing co-owner
Hamlin emphasized that his primary commitment lies with Joe Gibbs Racing and the No. 11 car, rather than his ownership responsibilities with 23XI Racing. He clarified,
“My responsibilities as a team owner comes Monday through Saturday,” – Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver and 23XI Racing co-owner
“It is not up to me to get 23XI into the Round of 8. My responsibility is to get the #11 into the Round of 8. Joe (Gibbs) pays me a lot of money to make sure that car wins a championship.” – Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver and 23XI Racing co-owner
The Broader Implications of the Kansas Finish on Hamlin’s Career
This race added to the series of near misses in Hamlin’s quest for a first championship and a career milestone. Currently with 59 career wins, he remains one victory shy of tying Kevin Harvick for most all-time Cup Series wins among active drivers. Despite this success, Hamlin has yet to secure a Cup Series title, a distinction that looms large given his tenure and talent in the sport.
The Bubba Wallace Kansas controversy highlights the complex dynamics when a driver juggles competing roles, underscoring the intense pressure within NASCAR’s playoff system. The fallout from this race is expected to influence both team strategies and driver relationships as the playoffs progress, with Hamlin’s focus remaining sharply on advancing the No. 11 car while still managing ownership duties off the track.
“You have to do everything that you can to win for the car that you’re driving. That’s the obligation." @KevinHarvick has been in the same position as Denny Hamlin. It also didn't end well for the team he owned. @DeLanaHarvick can confirm. pic.twitter.com/mPpGiGMVaa
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) September 30, 2025
