Denny Hamlin celebrated a successful weekend as he secured a third-place finish at the Brickyard 400 on Sunday, while his 23XI Racing teammate, Bubba Wallace, took the victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Hamlin expressed his admiration for Wallace’s impressive comeback and win at the 2025 Brickyard 400.
Hamlin Reflects on Wallace’s Strategic Victory
During the TNT broadcast, Hamlin highlighted the fuel strategies that shaped the race’s outcome. He explained,
“They told me that the 23 (Wallace) and the 24 (William Byron) were in very similar positions on fuel,”
and added,
“I saw the 24 running out, so at that point. I know I’m third, the 5 (Kyle Larson) is going to make it, so I’m just at that point hoping the 23 does make it. …They deserve to win the race. They were faster; they pulled way from the pack there. If the race goes green with no rain, they win it outright that way. Just a great, flawless execution day for Bubba, Charles [Denike], that whole team. Just so happy for them. They deserve it.”
Wallace drives for 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by Denny Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan. This win not only adds to Wallace’s growing career achievements but also ensures that both Hamlin and Wallace will compete in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs starting at the end of August.
Bubba Wallace Secures Playoff Spot with Key Win
Wallace’s victory at the Brickyard 400 marks his first triumph since September 2022, when he won the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Motor Speedway. This latest win is the third of Wallace’s Cup Series career, all under the 23XI Racing banner, further establishing his rising status in NASCAR.
Hamlin Overcomes Challenges to Finish Strong
Hamlin’s weekend was marked by resilience as well. After wrecking during qualifying on Saturday, Hamlin was forced to use a backup car and start at the back of the field. Despite this setback, he fought his way through the pack and managed to finish third by the end of the race.
Reflecting on his own performance and the effort of his team, Hamlin commented,
“Great day for our Progressive Toyota team,”
before adding,
“I got to say thank you to everyone at JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing). All four teams were chipping in yesterday, 23XI for wrapping the car. A huge team effort. I’ve never seen so many people come together and get this car together. It needed a lot of work, and they gave me something I could contend with.”
Implications for the NASCAR Season Ahead
With both drivers from 23XI Racing locked into the playoffs, the team’s momentum is visibly building. Wallace’s victory at the Brickyard 400, combined with Hamlin’s strong showing despite adversity, highlights the competitiveness and teamwork driving 23XI forward. Fans and competitors alike can expect the team to be a strong contender in the upcoming playoff races, setting the stage for intense battles throughout the rest of the NASCAR Cup Series season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started racing full-time in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing. Since then, he has achieved an impressive career. Hamlin has won 51 Cup Series races and claimed victory in the Daytona 500 three times in 2016, 2019, and 2020. He has also made millions of dollars through his successful racing career.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is planning to marry Jordan Fish. As a child, she loved dancing, which eventually led her to perform for the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats. The team is now known as the Charlotte Hornets. She met Hamlin during one of her performances at a Bobcats game.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. The Path to Denny Hamlin’s $65 Million Wealth: He has earned over $100 million through NASCAR contracts and race winnings.
Endorsement deals with brands like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota brought him millions more.
He also co-owns 23XI Racing, a team with a value exceeding $100 million.