The adage, “Teamwork makes the dream work” would perhaps be the guiding force for Saturday’s Daytona race. The final race of the season would assuredly be one of the most aggressive races of the season. The drivers who are yet to punch their tickets for the post-season are ready to gamble their luck without budging an inch. However, for Bubba Wallace, the narrative transforms exponentially.
Speaking of teamwork, in superspeedways like Talladega and Daytona, it is coordination among teammates that can lead one to the victory lane. While William Byron has already asserted that he would be lending his helping hands to his teammates in order to enter the playoffs, his boss and fellow driver Denny Hamlin appears to be mired in a bizarre predicament.
Denny Hamlin declares his stance as he chooses a side between his Bubba Wallace and Ty Gibbs
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The possibilities of Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman entering the playoffs are statistically low, owing to their past performances on the track and their points standing. However, it is 23 XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace who has gained an upper hand among the other drivers below the cutline. The only feasible way that the driver can warrant his playoff berth is either by a win for himself or by hoping for no more new victors.
Well, the prior option seems to be the viable option, but he has to look forward to his teammate as well as his co-owner Denny Hamlin, who has mastered the craft of winning on Daytona. However, the 23XI Racing co-owner has posited himself in a dilemma, as he is forced to choose between his team driver Bubba Wallace, and teammate Ty Gibbs who stands right behind Wallace on the leaderboard.
However, it is apparent that he has already vowed his allegiance towards Bubba Wallace snubbing his team owner Joe Gibbs, and his grandson Ty Gibbs. It was evident in his interview with NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass. On being asked who Hamlin would choose between Wallace and Gibbs, the No.11 Toyota driver revealed, “No change in my opinion certainly.”
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“I have said from the very beginning, that 11 car always comes first, I have never compromised any of my on-track positions for the race team I own. Certainly, it’s important to be a good leader for the team that I own, it’s also important to be a good teammate.
Denny Hamlin said if he had to make a choice between pushing Bubba Wallace or Ty Gibbs to the win, he’d push Bubba Wallace since Hamlin owns the Wallace car. pic.twitter.com/xkwNF3LUY8
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 25, 2023
Therefore, I am gonna work with both of them equally, but right now if I had to choose between them side by side upon the line 00.1 chance that happens, then obviously I probably lean to the 23 side,” Hamlin concluded.
NASCAR enthusiasts show their conflicting ideas to Denny Hamlin’s judgment
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Since hearing Denny Hamlin’s revelation, the fandom has been more or less divided. While many applauded Hamlin’s choice, many referred to the ensuing contract tussle between the team and the driver for such a choice.
Many commented, “Would you sell your goods or someone else’s ….”
“I’m not surprised but it does seem like him being co-owner of another team is a conflict of interest.”
“I’m not surprised that he would go for Bubba over Ty, but I am surprised that he’s so open about it lol.”
Treason! 😆
— Mick Nesevitch (@Mickstix) August 25, 2023
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While others also wrote, “And if i’m Joe Gibbs hearing this I will have someone lined up for that 11 car next week. He can go race for his own team.”
“If he had his contract, Ty would be the answer.”
“Sounds like grandpa ain’t gonna be happy with that.”
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Well, it is to be seen whether Denny Hamlin is able to keep up to his words and propel Bubba Wallace to the victory lane, or will it be a new face that would crumble Wallace’s dream? Only time holds the answer.
Read More: “I Don’t Really Care” – Chase Elliott Unaverred by Backlash for Watkins Glen Debacle