23XI Racing NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace was furious with his team’s co-founder, Denny Hamlin, after the pair battled for the race lead during the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, and made contact before the final corner. This pushed Wallace to the outside wall, slowing both cars down. Unfortunately for them, Chase Elliott took advantage of the clash and passed them in an instant to snatch away the victory.
The sudden turn of events led Wallace to finish fifth, while Hamlin secured second place. The incident pushed Wallace below the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff elimination cutline. During the cooldown lap, he overtook Hamlin and put his hand out to show the finger.
After the race, though, Wallace seemed more upset about giving away the win to Chevrolet. He said:
“Two years ago, I’d probably say something dumb, (like) ‘he’s a dumbass for that move, I don’t care if he’s my boss or not.’ But we’re going for the win. Hate that we gave it to Chevrolet there.
Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 U.S. Air Force Toyota, waits backstage during pre-race ceremonies prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN BET at Kansas Speedway on September 28, 2025…
Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 U.S. Air Force Toyota, waits backstage during pre-race ceremonies prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN BET at Kansas Speedway on September 28, 2025 in Kansas City, Kansas.
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“I thought it was meant to be, and then it wasn’t.”
Hamlin didn’t have a good day either, since he led the race for 159 laps. Disappointed with how everything unfolded in the last lap, given a power steering failure on his car, and stressing how badly he wanted that win, Hamlin said:
“Just super disappointed, obviously. Wanted it bad, it would’ve been 60 for me. Team just did an amazing job with the car; it was really fast. Gave me everything I needed. Got the restart I needed, couldn’t finish it there in the last corner. Obviously, got really, really tight with the #23. Just got really tight and we let the #9 win.”
Addressing the power steering issue, he added:
“No power steering in that last runs, low voltage. Just a lot of things. I don’t think I’ve ever had a car that good to the competition. I wanted it for my dad, I wanted it for everybody. Just wanted it a little too hard.”
Speaking to Bob Pockrass later on, Hamlin stated:
“I tried everything I can. Obviously, it was very difficult. Just super disappointed I couldn’t finish this one out. I would have raced everyone the same way. I’m going for 60. Nobody will ever accuse me of laying over anyone for a win. Obviously, to win a championship, we gotta figure out a way to move on. Out of love for me and the 23XI to battle it out, but obviously, I couldn’t turn the car well enough in the last corner.”