Denny Hamlin Blames Bubba Wallace After Daytona Wreck
NASCAR’s high-stakes racing at Daytona International Speedway produced another dramatic and controversial moment when a multi-car wreck in the superspeedway pack left teams, drivers and fans searching for answers. Denny Hamlin used his “Actions Detrimental” podcast to place responsibility on Bubba Wallace for initiating the chain of events, saying the No. 23 car’s movement squeezed others and ultimately caused the incident that took several competitors out of contention.
The crash occurred in tight pack racing where aerodynamic drafts and split-second decisions often determine whether drivers gain positions or end their day prematurely. Hamlin’s comments quickly circulated across social media and racing outlets, amplifying the conversation about driver accountability and the particular risks that come with superspeedway racing.
"He just squeezed those two guys below him down. He ended up wrecking himself, and obviously a few others," Hamlin said on his podcast, describing the moment he believes started the wreck.
That blunt assessment crystallized a common theme after unpredictable pack incidents: identifying a single cause or culprit is rarely straightforward, but public finger-pointing often follows immediately. Hamlin’s framing places the emphasis on driver behavior, while others will point to the environment of pack racing and the razor-thin margins drivers face at Daytona.
What Happened on Track
The incident began when a tight, three-wide approach narrowed as the draft compressed the field. One car changed line, another reacted, and within moments multiple cars were involved. The result was a high-speed melee typical of superspeedway events — heavy contact, airborne moments for some teams, and a lengthy cleanup that reshaped the running order.
- Location: Daytona International Speedway, superspeedway pack racing.
- Primary drivers involved: Bubba Wallace (No. 23), and other cars caught in the resulting chain reaction.
- Immediate effects: Several cars sustained heavy damage; race dynamics and strategy were altered.
- Aftermath: Post-race comments and social media debate centered on blame and driver conduct.
Why the Debate is Intense
Pack racing magnifies small inputs. A subtle nudge, a brief hesitation, or a tiny line change can cascade through the lanes at 200+ mph. Critics of aggressive moves say they unnecessarily end other drivers’ races; proponents argue assertive driving is part of competitive racing and necessary for moves to win.
Hamlin’s stance—that Wallace’s move squeezed cars below and caused the wreck—echoes a larger conversation about where responsibility lies during high-pressure race moments. Is the initiator of movement the primary culprit, or are all drivers sharing responsibility by racing in such close quarters? NASCAR officials review video and telemetry to determine whether rules were violated or if further action is warranted.
Reactions From the Paddock and Fans
Responses split across predictable lines. Some drivers supported Hamlin’s assessment, arguing for clearer enforcement and stricter consequences for overly aggressive moves. Others defended Wallace, noting that split-second decisions and situational chemistry between cars are nearly impossible to police by intent alone.
Fans on social platforms weighed in vigorously, with many replaying footage frame-by-frame to back one side or another. The incident also sparked renewed discussion about whether the current superspeedway rules and car setups magnify the risk of multi-car incidents to an unacceptable degree.
What NASCAR Might Do Next
NASCAR will typically review incidents like these using in-car cameras, broadcast footage, and telemetry. Possible outcomes include:
- No action, if officials determine the wreck was a racing incident with no clear rule violation.
- Warnings or fines, if a driver is found to have made an avoidable or reckless move.
- Penalties or probation for repeated infractions or particularly dangerous behavior.
At the time of this report, NASCAR had not announced discipline related to the incident. The governing body often waits until it completes a thorough review before communicating penalties, if any.
Broader Implications for Superspeedway Racing
This latest wreck and the ensuing controversy underscore persistent questions about the balance between excitement and safety in superspeedway events. NASCAR has adjusted aerodynamic packages, restrictor plate rules and other factors over the years to try to manage pack dynamics, but the fundamental tension remains: close drafting creates dramatic finishes and big risks.
Teams will reassess setup and racecraft, drivers will revisit how they execute moves in the pack, and fans will continue debating where the line should be drawn between strategic aggression and reckless driving. For Hamlin and Wallace, the episode adds another chapter to their on-track narratives and could influence how future incidents are perceived.
Looking Ahead
Expect additional commentary in the days ahead as drivers are interviewed, teams release statements, and NASCAR completes any formal reviews. Whether the outcome alters rules or simply remains another notable moment in a long history of superspeedway controversy, the incident will likely be referenced in conversations about risk, accountability and what drivers must accept when racing at the sport’s fastest tracks.
For now, the spotlight remains on Hamlin’s vocal critique and how Wallace and NASCAR respond. Both the immediate fallout and any regulatory response will shape narratives leading into the next events on the calendar.
