Steve Letarte Breaks Down Hamlin’s Controversial Last-Lap Move at Kansas
The NASCAR world is buzzing after Sunday’s wild finish at Kansas Speedway, and Steve Letarte isn’t holding back his thoughts on what went down between Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace in those final moments. As someone who’s seen his fair share of dramatic finishes from the pit box and the broadcast booth, Letarte brings a perspective that cuts through all the noise.
What Really Happened in Those Final Seconds
When the checkered flag was waving and positions were on the line, Hamlin made a move that had fans jumping out of their seats. The 23XI Racing co-owner found himself in a position where he had to choose between potentially helping his teammate or going for the win himself. Letarte watched it unfold and saw exactly what needed to happen.”I want Hamlin to drive for race wins,” Letarte stated firmly during his analysis.
That’s the kind of honest take that makes you respect someone who’s been in the heat of competition. There’s no sugar-coating here, no corporate speak—just pure racing truth. The move itself wasn’t dirty or questionable from a racing standpoint. Hamlin saw an opportunity and took it. That’s what separates the champions from everyone else in this sport. You don’t get to victory lane by playing it safe or worrying about hurt feelings.
The Letarte Perspective on Team Dynamics
What makes this situation fascinating is the dynamic at play. Hamlin isn’t just any driver making a move on Wallace. He’s the co-owner of 23XI Racing, the team he drives for. But Letarte understands something that casual fans might miss. When you’re strapped in that seat with the green flag flying, ownership stakes take a backseat to winning races.
Steve Letarte has been around this sport long enough to know that great drivers don’t switch off their competitive instincts just because of business relationships. The best teams actually encourage this kind of racing between teammates because it pushes everyone to perform at their highest level.
“That’s acceptable racing,” Letarte explained, and he’s absolutely right. The moment drivers start giving each other breaks or racing differently because of team affiliations is the moment NASCAR loses what makes it special. Fans come to see authentic competition, not carefully choreographed team orders.
Why This Move Matters for Championship Contention
With the playoffs heating up and every position crucial, Hamlin’s decision shows the mindset of a championship contender. Letarte recognizes that this kind of racing mentality is precisely what separates title winners from also-rans. You can’t approach these final races with anything less than complete commitment to winning.
The former crew chief has worked with drivers who understand this principle. When Dale Earnhardt Jr. was in his prime, or when any elite driver gets in that zone, they race everyone the same way. Your teammate, your best friend, your car owner, none of that matters when you’re fighting for position on the track.
The Bigger Picture for 23XI Racing
Letarte’s analysis goes deeper than just one last-lap move. This kind of internal competition actually strengthens a team in the long run. When drivers know they can’t expect any favors from their teammates or, in this case, the co-owner of the team you drive for, it forces everyone to elevate their game.
The 23XI Racing organization benefits when both the team owner and driver are pushing each other to be better. Wallace and Hamlin both understand this dynamic. They’re professional racers who’ve been doing this long enough to know that what happens on the track stays on the track. After the race, they’re teammates again, working together to improve the program.
What This Says About Hamlin’s Championship Drive
The move at Kansas reveals something important about Hamlin’s current state of mind. He’s not just going through the motions or managing points. He’s actively hunting wins. That’s the mentality that wins championships, and Letarte picked up on it immediately. When you’ve been around NASCAR as long as Letarte has, you develop an eye for recognizing when drivers are in that championship zone.
The way they approach decisions, the risks they’re willing to take, and their complete focus on winning all add up to tell a story about their mental state. Hamlin’s willingness to make that move, even against his own teammate, shows he’s thinking like a champion. That’s exactly the kind of racing attitude that fans want to see, and it’s what makes NASCAR compelling television week after week.
Final Thoughts
Steve Letarte’s take on the Kansas finish cuts right to the heart of what makes NASCAR special because it produces drivers who refuse to back down from competition, regardless of the circumstances surrounding it.
