Denny Hamlin Defends Actions in Intense Finish Against Bubba Wallace
In a recent episode of his podcast, Actions Detrimental, Denny Hamlin addressed the controversial final laps of the NASCAR race where he collided with Bubba Wallace, his co-driver and team owner at 23XI Racing.
“If they’re wanting an apology, they can turn (this) off now,” Hamlin stated unequivocally. His comments come after a race where he and Wallace found themselves competing for position in a tense duel that influenced Wallace’s playoff standings.
The incident occurred during the final lap when Wallace led with Hamlin closely trailing in second. As they approached Turn 3, Hamlin attempted to make a move beneath Wallace but misjudged his car’s grip, resulting in contact that sent Wallace into the wall, allowing Chase Elliott to pass for the win. “I was racing the [No.] 23 the same as I would race anybody in that moment,” Hamlin asserted.
Hamlin, piloting the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, emphasized the separation between his roles as both driver and owner. “On Sunday, I am the driver,” he explained, reinforcing that his priority is to secure a win for his car, not to facilitate Wallace’s path to the playoffs.
Despite his competitive instincts, Hamlin acknowledged the complexities of racing teammates, stating, “It is not up to me to get 23XI into the Round of 8. My responsibility is to get the [No.] 11 into the Round of 8.” He highlighted the fierce nature of the competition, noting that both drivers were aggressively vying for the victory in the final laps.
Hamlin’s performance during the race was dominant, leading a race-high 159 laps and sweeping both stages. However, a power steering issue in the closing laps hampered his control, complicating his race strategy ahead of a late caution.
After the race, Wallace expressed his disappointment but the two maintained professionalism in their exchanges. Hamlin recalled an incident where Wallace gestured in frustration post-race, remarking, “As a competitor, he’s flipping off the driver of the [No.] 11. I don’t have an issue with that.”
With the clash now behind them, both drivers must refocus as they head into the critical elimination race at the Charlotte Roval, with Wallace in a precarious playoff position.
