Freddie Kraft reacts to Denny Hamlin ruining Bubba Wallace chances at Kansas: 'A little disappointed'

Freddie Kraft, the spotter for Bubba Wallace, is not too upset with Denny Hamlin preventing Wallace from winning the NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Kansas on Sunday. On the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Kraft shared his reaction to the incident that happened on the final lap in overtime.

“I’m not really mad at him. I’m a little disappointed,” Freddie Kraft said when asked about being mad with Hamlin. I think if the roles were reversed, he would be rather disappointed in us as well.

“It’s just guys racing hard. We raced the 20 (Christopher Bell) just as hard two laps before that. You’re pushing for everything you can. Obviously, our season is on the line there for us. We’re not mathematically eliminated, but going to the Roval 20-something (points) out with Bubba is probably not ideal.”

Kraft then added that Hamlin was looking to win because he wanted to get his 60th victory in his NASCAR Cup Series career. He added that he “doesn’t fault” Hamlin for the incident that led to Chase Elliott passing both of them to steal the victory.

Bubba Wallace talks about gaining a point after Kansas finish

During the final lap of overtime, Hamlin made contact with Wallace, which led to Wallace going to the wall. Kraft said it was “poor execution to just run up into us and all the 9 (Elliott) car to get by both of us.”

Wallace finished fifth at Kansas, and Hamlin finished second. After the race, Wallace reacted to just missing out on clinching a spot in the NASCAR Playoffs Round of 8.

“To even have a shot at the win with the way we started, I told Post, You could have fooled me,” Wallace said. We were not good. We missed it on the fire-off speed. I just really appreciate the team. Two years ago, I’d probably say something dumb. He’s a dumbass for that move. I don’t care if he’s my boss or not. But we’re going for the win. I hate that we gave it to Chevrolet there.

“Toyotas were super-fast, and proud to be driving one. I thought it was meant to be, and then it wasn’t. All in all, the positives, though, we were minus 26 coming in — or minus 27 coming in. We’re minus 26 leaving. We gained a point.”