Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin: A Heartfelt Conversation After Kansas Speedway

This past Saturday, Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin finally addressed the events that transpired during the final lap of the race at Kansas Speedway. It had been a challenging six days since the incident, and the tension was palpable. After facing numerous inquiries from the media, recording a podcast, and sharing his feelings on social media—expressing a lack of regret regarding the situation—Hamlin was eager to discuss the matter with Wallace.

A Long-Awaited Conversation

During a scheduled media session at the Charlotte Roval, Wallace revealed that he and Hamlin had a meaningful conversation just before the press event. "It was definitely a somber week for sure, and I hate that it got to this point—the lingering effect," Wallace noted. "Denny and I just talked 30 minutes ago. It was a good, heart-to-heart conversation. It came from a place of peace. It went better than I thought it would. He shared his side of things, and I shared mine, and we found some common ground."

Wallace emphasized that he was particularly frustrated by the outcome of the race, as all five of the top positions were held by Toyota teams during the last restart, yet none managed to secure a victory. Instead, it was Chase Elliott who took the win. "Just so we are all clear on that—that is not going to be the last time where I’m battling for a win and it doesn’t go our way in some fashion, whether that is Denny or anybody in the field," Wallace explained.

Understanding the Competitive Nature

Wallace took a moment to acknowledge the competitive spirit inherent in racing. "I don’t fault Denny Hamlin for racing for a win, racing for his team and his sponsors. I get the question a lot—what is it like racing Denny, on the racetrack, no offense to him, but I could care less because he is a competitor, and he has labeled it that way. That was two competitors going for a win, and so much as it didn’t work out, I have to respect that."

Despite his respect for Hamlin as a competitor, Wallace found himself grappling with the frustration of a Toyota vehicle not claiming victory in the race. He had even reached out to a representative from Toyota, likely Tyler Gibbs, to express his disappointment regarding the outcome.

Wallace made a clear distinction between racing moves, stating, "There is a fine line, obviously, of just forcing someone to lift, but also putting someone in the fence." He acknowledged that he had to confront Christopher Bell after the race, as his actions had unintentionally caused Bell to hit the wall, which ultimately allowed Hamlin to gain ground in their battle.

The Importance of Communication

Reflecting on the situation, Wallace shared his views on the necessity of communication, particularly after a tense incident. "Just the way it was handled after the fact was a frustration too," he said. He was disappointed that it took six days for him and Hamlin to have a conversation about the Kansas race.

"It was just the way it was kind of handled behind the scenes," Wallace explained. "It just kept going, kept adding fuel to the fire, and I hate that it got to that point. I expressed my displeasure to Denny today, and he totally respected that."

Wallace made it clear that he needed closure to maintain focus, especially as he prepared for an elimination race where victory was crucial. "I expressed to him that what you need from your driver is to be at 110 percent focused on what to do, how to execute, and how to go out there and beat SVG," he stated. "I had a dark cloud over my mind all week long, man; it’s not fair to my team."

He noted that Hamlin’s acknowledgment of his feelings allowed for a better understanding between them. "He told me he respected that, and frankly, the conversation allowed him to see things from a different perspective," Wallace said.

Hamlin’s Perspective

Following the qualifying session, Hamlin provided insight into his perspective on the controversy. He admitted that he was initially unaware of Wallace’s frustration. "If I’m being honest, I listened to his post-race, and it was just about two guys going for it, and he shook my hand," Hamlin revealed. "It was quick, but I didn’t know he was upset. But I should have checked with him to make sure."

Hamlin expressed his desire for a face-to-face conversation but mentioned that he doesn’t always attend the competition meetings held by 23XI Racing in person. "It takes time because I have a lot going on, and I knew we would be at the same place at the same time, here," he explained.

While maintaining the privacy of their conversation, Hamlin shared that he aimed to listen to Wallace’s concerns. "I listened," he said. "The biggest thing was listening. Being a race car driver, what has made me successful is continuing to evolve and get better, so even as an adult, just trying to get better, whether it be on track or off track."

He emphasized the importance of understanding each other’s perspectives during their discussion. "I feel like it was important for me to listen and then give my perspective as well. It obviously went really well, and I feel like we’re in a good place."

The Road Ahead

The incident at Kansas Speedway served as a reminder of the competitive nature of racing, as well as the human emotions that accompany such high-stakes situations. Both Wallace and Hamlin emerged from their conversation with a better understanding of one another, paving the way for a more collaborative and focused effort moving forward.

As Wallace prepares for the next race, he hopes that with the weight lifted from his shoulders, he can fully concentrate on his performance. The resolution of their conversation signifies a step toward healthier communication and teamwork, essential components for success in the world of racing.

The journey ahead may be filled with challenges, but with the lessons learned from this experience, both drivers can look forward to competing with renewed focus and camaraderie. The essence of sportsmanship and respect for fellow competitors remains at the heart of racing, and both Wallace and Hamlin are committed to upholding these values as they continue their careers in the fast-paced world of NASCAR.