Denny Hamlin’s role in NASCAR extends far beyond being a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing. As co-owner of 23XI Racing, he faces a unique challenge in balancing personal ambition with team responsibilities. However, things don’t always go according to plan. The latest Kansas Speedway controversy with Bubba Wallace was a good example of this problem. Later on his podcast, Hamlin defended himself, saying he was “a driver on Sunday”. But was that all there was to it?

Tensions and emotions were both high in the aftermath of the race, in which Hamlin nudged Bubba Wallace on the final lap, handing the win to Elliott. Despite the criticism, Hamlin apologized for the clash but stood by his integrity. But veterans Kevin Harvick and Bob Pockrass have gone a bit deeper and analyzed the psyche that goes behind why Hamlin does what he does.

The emotional drive backing Denny Hamlin

Inside Happy Hour, these NASCAR analysts offered insight into what drives Hamlin on the track. Pockrass pointed out that Hamlin thrives in chaotic moments. Over the years, he’s created pressure-filled situations that test both his own skill and those around him. Harvick added another layer, noting the challenge Hamlin faces in separating his roles as a JGR driver and 23XI team owner.

“You’ve got the lawsuit, you’ve got the situation with Ty Gibbs last week, you’ve got the situation with the 23 car this week,” Harvick said. “It’s very difficult to not separate it like he has this week at Kansas.” Despite problems from all sides, Harvick commended how Hamlin could still set a clear eye on his goal at Kansas.

And then Pockrass underscored the emotional aspect that is at stake here for Hamlin. “He’s going to just keep rising because he knows he has a limited amount of time left…to win races. He’s going to probably take more than he gives,” he said. Harvick and Pockrass framed the Kansas incident not as recklessness. Rather, it was a calculated push driven by emotion, urgency, ambition, and the inherent pressures of dual responsibilities.

The final lap at Kansas further brought those emotional motives to the surface. The collision cost both Hamlin and Wallace their much-needed wins. Harvick reflected on Hamlin’s catch-22. “How do you think he navigates it within the walls at 23XI this week?” Pockrass explained what other drivers can expect from Hamlin too. “ How would you expect them to race you? Probably, (he) didn’t do a whole lot wrong.”

Wallace was pretty unhappy and expressed anger over the move, considering how important the win was for him. But boss Hamlin keeps the on-track clashes till the track itself as he appreciated his team’s efforts at the 1.5-mile.

Bubba Wallace receives Hamlin’s praise

After the race, Hamlin candidly addressed both team struggles and Wallace’s progress. “I want to be sympathetic, and I am sympathetic. I hate that the 23 (Wallace) is below the cut, but 23XI ran like dogs at f*ing New Hampshire. That’s why they’re below the cut. I hate that for the drivers, because the drivers unfortunately had to drive that,” he said.

Hamlin’s comments highlight his empathy for his employee, and donning that owner’s hat, he appreciates how both his 23XI drivers, Wallace and Tyler Reddick, had impressive runs at Kansas, finishing 5th and 7th, respectively.

He then highlighted Wallace’s growth and leadership. “Bubba’s turnaround over the last years has just been… I can’t believe it, truthfully. The maturity that he has shown, he’s been the lead car at 23XI, really the entire year…The 23 has been the fastest freaking car we’ve got. I can’t believe it.”

Hamlin’s praise shows Wallace’s development, while also reminding fans that talent and perseverance can shine even amid controversy. Looking ahead, Wallace and 23XI Racing will try to go a mile further from their Kansas performance as they face an almost do-or-die at Charlotte, sitting in the bottom half of the playoff pack.