The NASCAR Cup race at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday had its fair share of drama despite the weather playing spoilsport early on. Denny Hamlin, who started on pole, found himself in a fierce battle for the lead with Kyle Larson, only for things to take a turn when Bubba Wallace surged past both drivers with an impressive move. Hamlin later expressed regret over the decisions made during the race that led to his spin, which cost him a potential stage win.
A Three-Way Battle for the Lead
The race began with Kyle Larson quickly overtaking pole-sitter Denny Hamlin for the lead, but Hamlin stayed close behind, refusing to let Larson build a significant gap. By lap 35, Hamlin was right beside Larson, setting the stage for an intense showdown. However, as they dueled down the straight, Bubba Wallace took advantage of their reduced speed and made a bold three-wide pass, taking the lead in spectacular fashion.
- Hamlin’s Thoughts: “We played some games on the straightaway and let the 23 (Bubba Wallace) go right by us,” Hamlin told NBC Sports.
- Wallace’s View: Wallace humorously remarked on the situation, saying, “They were so slow, I looked to see if there was a caution out. I know what they were trying to do there—just positioning to see who was ahead going into the corner.”
Wallace’s decisive move not only brought excitement to the race but also added another layer of strategy as the drivers continued to battle for positions.
Hamlin’s Push for the Lead Ends in a Spin
With Wallace in the lead, Hamlin managed to get past Larson and set his sights on the No. 23 car driven by Wallace, who races for the 23XI team co-owned by Hamlin himself. As the laps wound down toward the end of Stage 1, Hamlin closed in on Wallace, trying to mount a challenge for the lead.
Unfortunately, with just eight laps remaining in the stage, Hamlin lost control. While in hot pursuit of Wallace, his car spun down the track and slid across the wet grass, bringing his hopes of winning the stage to an abrupt end. Hamlin later reflected on the incident, expressing frustration over the way things played out.
Michael Jordan Watches On as Drama Unfolds
The drama didn’t just play out on the track; it extended to the pits where 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan was watching the battle unfold. Jordan witnessed Hamlin’s aggressive pursuit of Wallace, only to see his driver and co-owner spin out of contention.
Despite the setback, Hamlin remained philosophical about the challenges of motorsport, understanding that split-second decisions can make or break a race.