Overview

• On the final overtime lap at Kansas, Denny Hamlin slid up into Bubba Wallace entering Turn 3, sending Wallace into the wall and allowing Chase Elliott to slip through for the victory and a Round of 8 berth.
• Hamlin said he had lost power steering late and carried too much speed into the corner, describing the outcome as “massive disappointment” after dominating much of the race.
• Wallace finished fifth, flipped off his team owner on the cooldown lap, and publicly called the move reckless, escalating tensions inside 23XI Racing.
• Post-race standings show Wallace 26 points below the elimination cutline entering the Charlotte ROVAL, while Hamlin sits 48 points to the good.
• Hamlin led 159 of 273 laps and swept both stages in pursuit of his 60th Cup win, but no team sanctions or NASCAR penalties had been reported by Sunday night.