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Denny Hamlin, Ross Chastain have private chat after last-lap wreck at Charlotte Roval

JHby: Jonathan Howard10/06/25Jondean25
Denny Hamlin Roval backwards
Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

It wasn’t long ago that Denny Hamlin and Ross Chastain were calling each other out publicly in the media after races. Today, Chastain wrecked Hamlin in the last turn, costing them both positions on the track on the final lap. So, why didn’t the NASCAR rivals have it out after?

By all accounts, Denny Hamlin had no issue with Ross Chastain clearing him out at the end. In fact, it seems Hamlin was more upset with his own team. He claims that he didn’t know the points situation between Chastain and Logano. Had he known, Hamlin might have checked up behind Chastain and not passed for that position.

The two drivers were seen walking away from the media on pit road to have a private conversation. It looks like everything was cordial and calm between the two drivers. I’m sure we will hear more about this tomorrow on Actions Detrimental.

RJ Starcevic of Motor Stardom captured a video of the two walking together. It looks like NASCAR security allowed that conversation to remain private.

The rivals collided in the final turn. From there, they had to put their cars into reverse to make it across the line. Ross Chastain finished P21 with Denny Hamlin finishing P23 a couple of spots back. Joey Logano slipped by for P20 in that time and, ultimately, advanced over Chastain.

Denny Hamlin cleaned out by Ross Chastain for playoff spot

It was a nail-biting final 10 laps or so. Drivers were on all sorts of strategies. Logano did a three-pit final stage on a last-chance call from Paul Wolfe. Once again, it worked out for the team.

The race was dominated by Shane van Gisbergen. Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell did their best to challenge him for the win. It wasn’t meant to be. Once again, SVG won by 15+ seconds on a road course. Just unreal talent.

The move from Ross Chastain was a desperate one. It is the same desperation that led to the Hail Melon three years ago. This time, the big move didn’t work, and Chastain is once again out before the Round of 8.

So, Denny Hamlin doesn’t feel any type of way. He’s advanced to the next round. This round, you could argue, was the biggest trap for the 11 team. They could have easily let it get away from them. They didn’t.

Afterward, Hamlin spoke about the situation. He would rather have let Chastain by and have the point to eliminate Joey Logano. Now, Logano is in the Round of 8 again with a chance to steal a championship.

“I would have made the best decision for me,” Hamlin said, via Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. “I wish I would have known. … On pace, the 1 is faster than the 22. But obviously, when it comes down to the final four, the 22’s probably got a leg up there. I didn’t know if I was running for 10th or 25th. Listening to the radio the whole time, there was just crickets. Nobody said anything, nobody told me anything. I wish they did.”