Denny Hamlin’s Reaction to Bubba Wallace’s First Ever NASCAR Pole Goes Viral as Driver-Owner Conflict Comes Out

23XI driver Bubba Wallace picked up his first-ever pole position during Saturday’s qualifying at the Michigan International Speedway. Meanwhile, his team’s co-owner Denny Hamlin was spotted watching Wallace on TV and then subsequently reacting to his pole lap.

His reaction did not seem to reveal much excitement. Hamlin was heard saying, “Damn! Holy Sh*t, that’s fast,” before walking out of the room. Although his reaction may have seemed dull, there might have been an array of thoughts going down his head, the most prominent of which could have been the sense of competition he might face on track between Bubba Wallace and himself.

Denny Hamlin has always been a competitive man on the racetrack. Even though he owns his own team but races for another, the Joe Gibbs driver maintains a positive relationship on both fronts. However, when it comes down to racing, it is every man for himself and Hamlin wants to win, hence the constant competitive nature.

Even NASCAR Fans echoed the same observation about Hamlin.

Regardless of his not-so-extravagant reaction, Hamlin, as a co-owner, is surely proud of Wallace’s stellar NASCAR Cup Series achievement.

First cup series career pole for Bubba Wallace at Michigan

Bubba Wallace, the 23XI driver, showcased a terrific performance during the qualifying for Sunday’s race at Michigan. He picked up his career’s first pole after setting an impressive 190 mph top speed.

Wallace, who seemed to be highly delighted with the qualifying results, emerged out of his car and stated, “Took me five years to get my first pole.”

Read More: Bubba Wallace Believes Chicago Race Will Help NASCAR Unearth the “Next Bubba Wallace”

Aside from just Bubba, every other Toyota driver also seemed to have a great qualifying session, sitting in the Top 11. Kyle Busch secured third place and Christopher Bell clinched the second spot.

Now all that is left to do, is for Wallace to pick up his second career win and the first win of this season. Looking at the pace, he does seem to have a good chance as long as he does not end up in a wreck or something.

Watch This Story: Did Bubba Wallace Crack the Most Well-Known Joke on His Own Sponsor McDonald’s?