Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, recently addressed the aftermath of a contentious incident involving team driver Bubba Wallace and fellow NASCAR challenger Alex Bowman. During the Chicago street race, specifically the post-race cooldown, Wallace sideswiped Bowman after he had already undone his safety gear, resulting in a $50,000 fine.
According to Hamlin, 23XI Racing has decided against appealing the hefty fine levied on Wallace. In his conversation with reporter Claire B Lang, Hamlin explained:
"All in all it's a judgment call and that's kind of the explanation that they gave the team that it's you know, it's a judgment call."
The incident, captured live during the race broadcast, sparked significant public and social media reaction.
"More than likely, we've seen these things happen in other business where, when the camera's on you live, right, it's not something that got cut away to and said 'Oh yeah by the way this happened after the checkered.' I think it just being live right there and everyone seeing it probably caused a little bit more of a social media uproar which they then responded to that," Hamlin elaborated.
"So, I think from the team's standpoint I don't believe there will be any appeals or anything like that. I think it's just a learning moment that you try not to repeat."
As the NASCAR Playoffs loom, the pressure mounts for Wallace, who finds himself in a must-win situation to secure his place in the looming competition. The upcoming races at Pocono, Michigan, Daytona, and Darlington present critical opportunities for Wallace to improve his standings and replicate last year's feat of qualifying through cumulative points.
Hamlin, who has his own share of experiences with NASCAR's fines and appeal processes, shared his perspective on the futility of appealing in certain situations.
With an intent to turn the page on this story, the focus is now squarely on the upcoming races, which are pivotal not just for Wallace's playoff ambitions but also for the team.
The driver recently spoke out regarding the incident:
"Penalty was probably the best way that's happened to me. I've been miserable for years, walking around with a persona that I'm not proud of. I need to apologize to a lot of people, especially that are close to me... Just frustrated and trying way too hard and not focused on the right things."
Wallace has never been confident on road courses.
"Showing up to Chicago that was our best road course race ever, and to have that wiped out in two corners when the conditions changed, over messing with switches, we all know messing with switches, you don't mess with switches in the smallest part of the track and you have seven or eight caution laps."
He continued:
"When that's all ripped away, you feel some type of entitlement to show your frustration. Did I time it wrong? Sure, 100%." The moment was exacerbated by the fact that Bowman won the race. "His window net was down and his seat belts were off, not an ideal situation. You know, and it's the guy you're racing in the points, and then he goes on to win the race so it's like icing on the cake, right?
"So, it's just three or four slaps in the face when you're working your ass off to be better for the team, just ripped away. Not that I'm justifying it at all but I'm a passionate guy, and I let my frustration get the best of me."
About the writer
Alex Harrington has been a journalist for 8 years, specialising in technology, automotive, and motorsport coverage for the likes of ... Read more
