Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin have both found themselves at the center of controversy in recent years, with their actions and statements drawing strong reactions from fans and fellow NASCAR drivers alike.
Bubba Wallace, the only full-time African American driver in NASCAR’s top series, has faced both praise and backlash for his outspoken stance on racial justice issues. In 2020, Wallace pushed NASCAR to ban the Confederate flag at its events, sparking a wave of debate. He also became a key figure when a noose was found in his garage at Talladega, though the FBI later determined it had been there since 2019 and wasn’t a targeted hate crime. Despite this, Wallace continues to receive criticism from some fans who feel that politics has no place in the sport, while others view him as a trailblazer for pushing for change in a traditionally conservative sport.
Denny Hamlin, a seasoned driver and team owner, has had his own controversies. One of the most notable incidents involved his clash with Ross Chastain in 2022, where Hamlin intentionally wrecked Chastain in retaliation for previous on-track run-ins. Hamlin’s open admission of seeking payback led to scrutiny from NASCAR and fans, questioning the fine line between competition and reckless behavior.
Both drivers remain polarizing figures in NASCAR, as their actions continue to fuel debates about the direction of the sport and the role of drivers in addressing broader societal issues or maintaining the fierce competitive spirit that defines stock car racing.
