Denny Hamlin, the seasoned NASCAR veteran with a staggering 700-plus Cup Series starts, rolled into the 2025 NASCAR playoffs riding high on a wave of confidence, having notched five impressive wins during the regular season. His triumph at the Enjoy Illinois 300 at Gateway not only marked his 59th career win but also secured his spot in the Round of 12, setting the stage for a showdown at Kansas Speedway. However, the playoff drama escalated as tensions flared between Hamlin and fellow driver Bubba Wallace, who faced setbacks of his own, finishing a disappointing 26th at New Hampshire and plummeting to the bottom of the playoff standings.
The Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas saw Hamlin and Wallace embroiled in a fierce battle for supremacy on the racetrack. In a strategic move, Hamlin, driving the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, executed a flawless two-tire pit stop that propelled him back into the lead after a series of green-flag pit stops. His crew showcased remarkable efficiency, completing the pit in just 37.34 seconds, with a swift in-box time of 10.12 seconds. Yet, it was Hamlin’s radio chatter that truly set the stage for drama, as he expressed his frustrations about Wallace’s performance on the track.
With palpable tension in the air, Hamlin’s pointed remark, “Does he know he’s slowing us down?” directed at Wallace, highlighted the fierce competition simmering between the two. His spotter’s guidance, “You’ll have to drag him [side draft] and slide him [slide job],” underscored the aggressive tactics being employed as Hamlin fought to take control of the race. Ultimately, his deft maneuvering and strategic pit execution allowed him to overtake Wallace, establishing a lead while Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson closely pursued, creating a thrilling four-car breakaway at the front.
While Hamlin surged ahead, Wallace’s team, representing 23XI Racing, managed a marginally faster pit stop of 36.70 seconds with an in-box time of 9.54 seconds. However, despite the quick stop, Wallace was unable to fend off Hamlin’s onslaught as the race unfolded, intensifying the competitive exchanges between the two.
Hamlin’s dominance was evident as he clinched victories in both Stage 1 and Stage 2, racking up a maximum of 20 stage points and leading over 90 laps. This performance pushed him beyond a remarkable milestone of 16,000 career laps led in the NASCAR Cup Series, joining an elite group of only 12 drivers in history to achieve this feat. Close behind were Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, who collected 17 and 16 points respectively, while Chase Elliott added 15 points to his tally. In contrast, Wallace, despite his valiant efforts, only managed to earn 5 points, finishing 8th in Stage 2.
Yet, the drama didn’t end there. With just 52 laps remaining in Stage 3, Hamlin’s frustrations boiled over once again as he reported, “There is something wrong with the f—g steering. It’s sticking bad,” to his team before the pivotal pit stops. His continued exasperation was clear as he lamented, “I don’t know what to do. I can’t f—g believe it… Every year. Every year.” The mounting pressure was evident, reflecting the broader challenges faced by drivers during the high-stakes playoff environment.
The NASCAR playoff pressure reached a boiling point just days prior at New Hampshire Motor Speedway during the Mobil 1 301, where Hamlin’s frustrations came to a head in a collision with teammate Ty Gibbs. This incident occurred when Hamlin, desperate for crucial stage points, found himself embroiled in a battle for position against Gibbs, who, although out of the playoffs, was racing aggressively. The clash resulted in Gibbs spinning out, leaving Hamlin seething with irritation over the block that not only hampered his race but also affected fellow contender Christopher Bell.
In the aftermath, Hamlin addressed the team dynamics during a pre-race press conference, acknowledging the need for improved communication among teammates. “Yeah, all the drivers had an opportunity to speak and try to come up with a plan, and did our best to come up with one. That’s it. That’s all that is there,” he stated, hinting at a collective effort to smooth over tensions within the team.
This incident serves as a reminder of the fine line that exists in the competitive world of NASCAR, where fierce rivalries can quickly evolve into team turmoil. As Hamlin reflected on his own role in the escalating drama, he admitted, “I mean, certainly, I absolutely have to get you know, I definitely got hot under the collar. It went too far on my end.” The situation at New Hampshire highlighted the critical nature of stage points in the playoffs, emphasizing the stakes that drive these athletes to push their limits while navigating the complexities of team dynamics.
As the playoffs continue, the intense rivalry between Hamlin and Wallace remains a focal point, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike, as they navigate the high-pressure landscape of NASCAR in search of glory.
