The NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway on Sunday ended with a dramatic final-lap collision between Bubba Wallace and his team co-owner Denny Hamlin, sparking frustration from Wallace and debate across the racing community, as reported [1] by Outkick.
The incident unfolded as Wallace, driving the No. 23 car for 23XI Racing, battled Hamlin for the lead in the closing moments.
Hamlin, who co-owns Wallace’s team alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan, made contact with Wallace’s car, forcing him into the wall and ending his chance at advancing in the playoffs. Wallace was seen flipping off Hamlin after the wreck, visibly angry at his boss for the move.
WHAT A FINISH. CHASE ELLIOTT GETS BY BUBBA WALLACE AND DENNY HAMLIN TO WIN AT KANSAS! pic.twitter.com/QkSw4rSWt2 [2]
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) September 28, 2025 [3]
“Denny doored Bubba and cost his driver and his team a win, and a spot in the Round of 8,” one observer said after the race. Wallace needed a victory at Kansas to secure a place in the next playoff round.
Hamlin, however, denied intentionally wrecking Wallace. The veteran driver said his car had been experiencing power steering problems throughout the race and that he simply got tight entering the corner. Hamlin went on to claim the win, marking his 60th career victory.
Give me a break. I was off the gas and on the brakes 100yds before the 23 let off. I was turning as hard as I could given the aero situation. 11 team deserved that race. It didn’t work out. https://t.co/oVq3hsI346 [4]
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) September 29, 2025 [5]
“I don’t think Denny did Bubba dirty,” one analyst said. “He raced him hard, had issues with the car, and pushed the envelope. He knows how to race, and that’s what he did.”
Wallace’s reaction, while heated, reflected the high stakes of the playoffs. Without the win, his chances of advancing have grown slim. NASCAR officials did not penalize Hamlin for the incident.
“He’s a dumbass for that move, I don’t care that he’s my owner.”
– @BubbaWallace [6]
Have to agree. Everyone was racing for the win. Nobody should hang their heads too long about it.
— Opinions on NASCAR (William Richard) (@nascar_opinion) September 28, 2025 [7]
“Can’t talk to him. … I’ve always been big on how you race me is how I race you”@BubbaWallace [6] was a corner away from a win in Kansas before he had contact with his boss Denny Hamlin
His reaction #NASCAR [8] #HollywoodCasino400 [9] pic.twitter.com/F29VSlVCAM [10]
— Dalton Hopkins (@PitLaneCPT) September 28, 2025 [11]
The race itself delivered several standout moments beyond the Wallace-Hamlin clash. Zane Smith’s car made headlines after riding the wall sideways for half a lap before flipping multiple times in a crash. Smith walked away from the wreck.
Chase Elliott also stunned fans with a late push, charging forward in the final laps to secure a strong finish that kept his playoff hopes alive. Elliott’s late surge surprised many, as he had not been in contention for much of the race.
Meanwhile, Kyle Busch’s spotter made waves after an on-air comment about jumping from the top of the track, a remark that NASCAR later confirmed was under internal review. Busch himself finished 19th in what was another difficult outing in his season.
With the Kansas race complete, the Cup Series moves on to the ROVAL at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Several drivers, including Wallace, Ross Chastain, Joey Logano, and Chase Briscoe, face must-win scenarios to remain in contention for the championship.
Hamlin’s victory advanced him comfortably to the next round, while Wallace was left to regroup after a heated exchange with his boss that capped off one of the season’s most eventful races.