On September 11, 2022, Bubba Wallace, the driver for 23XI Racing Team, achieved a milestone moment in his NASCAR career by securing victory at the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. What made this victory even more special was that his team owner, NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin, was also on the track, adding a layer of significance and pride to Wallace’s win. Wallace’s performance throughout the race was nothing short of spectacular, especially considering the challenges he had faced earlier in the season. As Wallace took the checkered flag, he not only secured a win but also silenced many of his critics who had doubted his abilities during a difficult year.
The victory was a testament to Wallace’s perseverance and determination, as the 2022 NASCAR season had been far from smooth sailing for the 23XI Racing driver. His performances throughout the year were inconsistent, and he faced several challenges that left him struggling to find his footing. One of the most notable setbacks came at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where Wallace made contact with Kyle Larson, resulting in a crash that took Larson out of the race. The incident led to Wallace receiving a one-race suspension, further adding to the frustration of an already challenging season.
However, the Kansas race marked a turning point for Wallace. Despite the difficulties he had faced, he managed to pull off a stunning and unexpected win, reminding everyone why he belongs in NASCAR’s top tier. This victory wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a moment of redemption that reasserted his competitive edge on the track. Among the many who praised his performance was Denny Hamlin, Wallace’s team owner and a racing legend in his own right, who was proud to see his driver rise to the occasion.
Wallace’s journey to victory at Kansas Speedway began with a strong qualifying performance. He secured a sixth-place starting position with an impressive best lap time of 30.124 seconds and a top speed of 179.259 mph. Wallace was just 0.225 seconds behind pole sitter Tyler Reddick, a promising start that hinted at what was to come. From the moment the green flag dropped, Wallace was determined to make the most of the opportunity. He showed his intent by aggressively battling his way up the field, gradually improving his position with each lap.
By lap 32 in Stage 1, Wallace had begun to engage in fierce competition with seasoned drivers like Joey Logano, Alex Bowman, and Ross Chastain for third place. His persistence and skill were on full display as he navigated through the field, but his momentum briefly stalled when he had to pit on the 84th lap due to loose tires. Despite the setback, Wallace managed to finish Stage 1 in fifth place, showing that he wasn’t going to be easily shaken by any challenges thrown his way.
As the race progressed into Stage 2, Wallace continued to impress. He climbed another position, finishing the second stage in fourth place and putting himself in prime contention for a shot at victory. The final stage of the race saw Wallace make his move. On the 225th lap, driving his #23 Toyota Camry, he took the lead and never looked back. As the laps counted down, Wallace’s lead became more tenuous as none other than Denny Hamlin began to close the gap. Hamlin, one of NASCAR’s most experienced and successful drivers, started catching up to Wallace, and by lap 262, he was just 1.4 seconds behind. Each lap saw Hamlin inch closer, and by the 266th lap, he was within 1.2 seconds of Wallace.
Despite the mounting pressure from his team owner and mentor, Wallace held firm. His determination to claim victory overpowered any nerves he may have felt, and he managed to maintain his lead to the end, crossing the finish line first to secure his second career NASCAR Cup Series win. The victory was a huge moment for Wallace, proving that he had the talent and grit to compete at the highest level.
In his post-race interview, Wallace expressed a mix of pride and relief, saying, “Just so proud. Pit crew was awesome today. We had one loose wheel and just, uh, just thankful. Thanks for the opportunity and thankful to shut the hell up for a lot of people.” His raw and emotional response resonated with fans and fellow drivers alike, as it encapsulated the weight of the criticism he had faced and the satisfaction of proving his doubters wrong.
Comparing Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin’s NextGen Racing Stats
Although Wallace’s Kansas Speedway win was a pivotal moment in his career, it’s important to recognize that his overall performance in the NextGen car era has been a mixed bag. Wallace’s best season finish came in 2023 when he managed to secure a tenth-place standing in the overall rankings. Over the course of his career, Wallace has achieved two Cup Series wins and three pole positions, along with 19 top-five finishes and 34 top-ten finishes. Since 2021, Wallace has led a total of 625 laps, a solid stat but modest compared to some of the top drivers in the series.
On the other hand, Denny Hamlin’s record in the NextGen car era is in a league of its own. Hamlin, who drives the #11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, has consistently been a top contender in the NASCAR Cup Series. In 2021, Hamlin finished third overall with two wins, 19 top-five finishes, and 25 top-ten finishes. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level is reflected in the 1,502 laps he led that season alone. Hamlin continued his strong performances into the 2022 and 2023 seasons, finishing both years in fifth place and securing a total of five wins across the two seasons.
As of 2024, Hamlin is currently ranked sixth in the NASCAR Cup Series and has advanced into the Round of 12 in the playoffs. In contrast, Wallace sits in 19th place in the standings with no wins so far this season. While Wallace has shown moments of brilliance, like his Kansas victory, he still has a way to go to match the consistency and dominance of drivers like Denny Hamlin.
Wallace’s win at Kansas Speedway remains a defining moment in his career, a race where he proved to himself and others that he has the capability to compete and win at the highest level of NASCAR. With more experience and confidence, there’s no doubt that Bubba Wallace has the potential to add more wins to his resume in the future.
