Denny Hamlin Reveals the Big Shame “Perennial Top 10” Driver Bubba Wallace Has Brought to Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Team

One of the more quotable lines from David Fincher’s ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ goes like, ‘Our lives are defined by the opportunities, even the ones we don’t take.’ This could more or less be applicable to Bubba Wallace this year.

At least that’s what his boss, Denny Hamlin, feels.

Not that Hamlin quoted a Brad Pitt dialogue, no. But rather, what he said about his driver ahead of the race at Homestead as his driver sits in the garage because of a one-race suspension, reflects the idea of the aforementioned line.

The 23XI Racing owner claimed that Wallace, who has “a big aim” on his back, is in touch with “the bigger picture” of the “bad look” he’s brought to his team with his actions.

“We’ve all done tough stuff in our careers that has defined us, its kind of, how do you return from it that will define him,” Hamlin described. “But I think…what’s a shame is that he’s made such huge strides since Nashville as a driver and he’s perennial top 10 running guy now.”

“It’s a shame because people aren’t gonna focus on how much better of a driver he’s gotten through the year and focus on this one incident, this one millisecond in time that he made a bad decision,” he added.

“So it’ll take some time for him to change that narrative.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Danica Patrick Took a Jibe at “Calm” Kyle Busch for His Antics Earlier This Season

Bubba Wallace had to be punished for his “dangerous act” according to NASCAR

Soon after announcing the one-race suspension penalty for Bubba Wallace, NASCAR’s Steve O’Donnell explained their thought process in getting to that decision despite there being other alternatives.

“Our actions are really specific to what took place on the racetrack,” NASCAR’s Chief Operating Officer said. “And when we look at how that incident occurred, in our minds, really a dangerous act.”

O’Donnell described the incident as being an intentional act that put the other cars at risk as well. He then went on to emphasize how Wallace’s actions “definitely crossed the line” that they have drawn considering where they are as a sport, and where they want to be.

 “That’s what we focused on in terms of making this call,” he added.

Also Read: “Salty” Danica Patrick’s “Tantrums” Laid Bare as Joey Logano Criticism Does Not Sit Well With NASCAR Fraternity