Denny Hamlin DROPS BOMBSHELL on Bubba Wallace After Daytona DISASTER!
The NASCAR world is abuzz at 10:40 AM +07 on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, following a seismic bombshell dropped by Denny Hamlin that has rocked 23XI Racing to its core after a chaotic crash at the 2025 Coke Zero Sugar 400. The Daytona International Speedway turned into a battlefield on August 24, 2025, when a massive 12-car pileup, dubbed “the big one,” erupted just 27 laps into the regular-season finale, involving Hamlin, Bubba Wallace, and teammate Riley Herbst. Hamlin’s unfiltered critique of Wallace on his Actions Detrimental podcast—blaming him for squeezing into an impossible gap and triggering the wreck—has sparked a firestorm, with “Hamlin Wallace feud” trending on X. As the playoffs loom on September 6, 2025, at Kansas Speedway, this public fallout threatens to fracture the team, leaving fans and analysts on edge.
The crash unfolded in a heartbeat, with Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota tangling with Joey Logano and Kyle Busch, sparking a chain reaction that ensnared a dozen cars, including playoff contenders like Alex Bowman. Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing alongside Michael Jordan, didn’t hold back, stating, “It looked to me like Bubba just squeezed those two guys below him down… there was no room, and he wrecked himself and others.” His blunt assessment, questioning Wallace’s spotter Freddie Kraft’s calls, contrasted sharply with Wallace’s post-race apology, where he called it “a crap deal” and shifted focus to the upcoming Darlington playoff race. This rare owner-driver clash has divided fans, with some on X praising Hamlin’s honesty, “He’s right—Wallace messed up,” while others defend Wallace, “He’s taking it like a champ!”
The disagreement deepened with differing accounts of the incident. Hamlin dismissed suggestions that Kyle Larson’s contact caused the crash, insisting Wallace’s move was “not clear.” Conversely, Kraft suggested Larson’s aggressive middle-lane push forced Wallace into a tight spot, a view supported by Larson’s own radio comments about crowding. This he-said-she-said dynamic has fueled speculation about trust and communication within 23XI, especially as Hamlin’s role as both owner and driver amplifies the stakes. Wallace’s maturity in accepting blame—despite the pressure—has earned respect, but Hamlin’s public callout risks leaving a lasting scar, with X posts warning, “This could break their team apart.”
The fallout extends beyond Daytona, with 23XI Racing facing a critical test as the playoffs approach. Wallace, locked into the postseason after his Indianapolis win, and Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner, must navigate this tension to compete effectively. The crash’s impact—ending Wallace’s night and damaging Hamlin’s car to a 25th-place finish—underscores the high stakes, with team dynamics now under a microscope. Analysts suggest a private resolution is essential, but Hamlin’s podcast platform has turned a racing mishap into a headline saga, drawing parallels to past owner-driver rifts like those at Hendrick Motorsports.
As Darlington nears, the racing world watches whether 23XI can heal or fracture further. Hamlin’s bold move, Wallace’s resilience, and Larson’s indirect involvement have turned a split-second decision into a season-defining drama. Fans are captivated, with X buzzing about potential fallout—will Wallace rebound, or will Hamlin’s words haunt their playoff push? This isn’t just about a crash; it’s a test of loyalty and leadership. What do you think—should Hamlin have kept this private, or is Wallace to blame? Share your take below!
