Denny Hamlin expressed a mix of relief and pride following Bubba Wallace’s dramatic victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, highlighting the significance of the moment for 23XI Racing. Reflecting on the chaotic final restarts and the tense race conditions, Hamlin acknowledged the challenge of the win and the special connection he has with Wallace as both a mentor and team owner. The victory marked a significant milestone for the young team at one of NASCAR’s most iconic venues.

Hamlin’s Perspective on the Final Moments and Rain Delay

Hamlin described the closing stages of the race as intense, especially with the looming threat of rain and multiple restarts. Positioned fourth in the race, he knew his chances of winning were slim, so his focus shifted to hoping Wallace was mentally prepared for the high-pressure restarts ahead.

“I was super content with the race just ending. I felt the drops in turn 1 and certainly at that point knew it was inevitable, we were going to have some shootouts,”

Hamlin said. He observed that Wallace faced a tough task, particularly since competitor William Byron in the 24 car was not expected to aggressively challenge him. Hamlin’s role became one of quiet support, trusting Wallace to navigate the critical final moments successfully.

Mentorship and Mixed Emotions of Watching Wallace’s Win

Although Hamlin has long dreamed of winning the Brickyard himself, he acknowledged a bittersweet feeling in seeing Wallace claim the victory. As someone deeply involved in mentoring his drivers, Hamlin takes pride in their achievements even when they come at his own expense.

“Yeah, because I had a role in it. I helped mentor these guys. They’re in my brain every single Monday and Tuesday kind of — I’m trying everything I can to teach them all the tricks in the book that I have,”

Hamlin explained. While it was tough not to be the winning driver or have his own car number at the front, he found gratification knowing the team’s efforts culminated in a major success.

Reflecting on Team Performance and Race Weekend Challenges

Hamlin shared his assessment of the weekend, admitting he felt his own chances were hampered by starting position and car speed. He accepted the result as his best possible finish under the circumstances. Meanwhile, he praised the collective effort of the 23XI cars, noting that the 23 and 45 teams executed their strategies well and demonstrated speed throughout the race, though not all could clinch the ultimate prize.

“I’m still very gratified, just because of the weekend,”

Hamlin remarked, emphasizing the hard-fought nature of competing from mid-field positions, especially without a stroke of luck.

Ownership Role vs. Driving and the Challenge of Building a Team

Hamlin contrasted the demands of being a driver with the hardships of owning and developing a competitive team from the ground up. He pointed out Joe Gibbs Racing’s long-standing success and the resources available there in contrast to the full range of responsibilities he balances as a team owner. He highlighted the pride that comes from overseeing every aspect of 23XI Racing, from branding and sponsorship to competition preparation.

“Building a team from scratch is a huge undertaking. You feel more gratification because I had my hand in every little piece of that race team, from the branding to the sponsorship to the competition to the everything,”

Hamlin stated, capturing the broad scope of his leadership role.

The Journey with Bubba Wallace: Growth and Turning Points

Hamlin recounted the process of hiring Wallace and the progression he has witnessed since then. Initially believing firmly in Wallace’s potential, Hamlin explained that motivation had to come from Wallace himself. Over time, the arrival of co-owner Michael Jordan and crew chief Tyler, along with the addition of Curt to the team, contributed to elevating Wallace’s performance and mindset.

“It just seems like for me something changed mid last year. You can relate it to having a child or whatever, but something happened mid last year where I saw a change in attitude that then changed work ethic,”

Hamlin observed. This shift has been instrumental in Wallace’s improved consistency and readiness to seize opportunities on the track.

Improved Mental Game and Handling Pressure

According to Hamlin, Wallace’s ability to manage the emotional ups and downs of racing has matured impressively. The variability of performance that once included deep lows has become more tempered, with Wallace learning to focus on positives rather than dwelling on struggles. Hamlin cited advice he received early in his career about needing to find fulfillment beyond winning, a lesson he has passed on to Wallace. This mindset is crucial in a sport where victories are rare. Hamlin emphasized,

“We’re in a business where if you can win 5 percent of the time, you’re a Hall of Famer. You’re going to lose. This is a losing business, and you have to find happiness in some other way other than actually winning.”

Playoff Implications and Team Milestones

Wallace’s win virtually secured a playoff spot for 23XI Racing, marking the first time the team is on track to have two cars in the postseason, with Tyler Reddick also positioned strongly. Hamlin acknowledged the milestone significance for the relatively new operation and expressed cautious optimism about the future.

“It’s the first time for our team to have two cars that are likely to get in. That’s a milestone,”

Hamlin said. Looking ahead, he identified Daytona as a key opportunity for Riley Herbst, the team’s third driver, to secure a win and continue 23XI’s success in the playoffs.

Tension of Fuel Strategy and Final Race Moments

The finish at Indianapolis was not only a test of driving skill but also a tense gamble on fuel management. Hamlin explained the fine balance between pushing limits and risking running dry, especially during overtime restarts. He described the strategic fuel games teams play, noting that pit stop timing and fuel consumption often determine finishing position as much as speed.

“This track is just so finicky. It’s a risk/reward. How tight do you want to cut it? But if there’s any kind of caution at the end, everyone loses their head and then we can’t get a lap in,”

he said. Hamlin suggested that one additional green-white-checkered lap likely would have caused some frontrunners to run out of fuel, underscoring how close Wallace came to missing out.

Charles Denike’s Role in Team Strategy and Success

Hamlin praised Charles Denike, the team’s rookie crew chief, for his preparedness, military-influenced discipline, and calm under pressure. Denike serves as a strategic leader across all 23XI cars, coordinating efforts from pit box to race strategy. Hamlin expressed confidence in Denike’s trajectory in the sport, comparing him favorably to some of the best crew chiefs he has worked with. He also commended Denike’s ability to keep Wallace focused when distractions occur, calling him “a tremendous asset” for the team’s present and future.

Bubba Wallace’s Best Execution at Indy

Hamlin regarded Wallace’s performance over the weekend as possibly his best at Indianapolis, highlighting strong qualifying and efficient race execution. The driver qualified second and managed restarts against top competitors like Larson with composure and speed. Hamlin recalled his belief before the race that the 23 and 45 cars had the clearest path to victory. The key, according to Hamlin, is capitalizing on track position and maintaining composure throughout the evolving race conditions.

Win’s Impact on Team’s Mentality and Playoff Focus

Securing a win early in the regular season removes a significant burden from the 23XI drivers, allowing them to concentrate more fully on playoff strategy without the pressure to gather stage points. Hamlin observed that this freedom to race aggressively and strategically could lead to more victories and stronger postseason performances.

“That’s what I love for them the most. Now they can really focus on the playoffs and obviously not be chasing the 60 car week in and week out or whoever else is on the bubble with them,”

he said, emphasizing the relief and confidence the win brings the team.

The Symbolism of Winning at Indianapolis for 23XI Racing

Winning at Indianapolis carries historic and symbolic weight for 23XI Racing as they continue to establish their presence in NASCAR. Hamlin acknowledged the race’s reputation for testing every element of racing skill and team performance, noting that the Next Gen car has brought new dynamics but the track still showcases the sport’s top talent. Beyond the track, 23XI’s active engagement in promotions and events near the Gainbridge Center in downtown Indy underlines the importance of this victory for their brand and legitimacy within NASCAR.

“These things help legitimatize our place in the sport,”

Hamlin said, framing the win as a major step forward for the team both competitively and commercially.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?

A. When Denny Hamlin started his full-time career in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing, he quickly made a name for himself. He has achieved 51 Cup Series victories, won the Daytona 500 three times (in 2016, 2019, and 2020), and earned millions during his career.

Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?

A. Denny Hamlin is going to marry Jordan Fish. She loved dancing as a child and eventually performed for the Charlotte Bobcats basketball team, now called the Charlotte Hornets. She met Hamlin after one of her performances at a Bobcats game.

Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?

A. Denny Hamlin’s net worth of $65 million comes from several sources. He has earned more than $100 million through NASCAR contracts and race winnings. Hamlin also has endorsement deals with companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota. Additionally, he is a co-owner of 23XI Racing, which is now worth more than $100 million.