Denny Hamlin caused a significant multi-car collision during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta on Sunday, with 39 laps remaining. After making contact with the outside wall, Hamlin also made contact with Tyler Reddick, setting off a wreck that involved Michael McDowell, William Byron, and Connor Zilisch. The initial incident appeared to start when Hamlin and Joey Logano made contact, with Logano’s rear hitting Hamlin’s front before Hamlin slid into the wall.
Teams Work Quickly to Repair Damaged Cars
Following the crash, Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota was attended to by his crew focusing on damages to the right side, aiming to get the vehicle back on the track. Simultaneously, efforts were underway to secure loose panels on Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota. Despite the damage, both teams showed determination to salvage their race positions.
Denny Hamlin Reflects on the Incident and Recent Events
This setback continues a challenging start for Hamlin, who finished 31st at the recent Daytona 500. However, his team 23XI Racing recently celebrated success with driver Tyler Reddick taking victory in that prestigious event.
Speaking candidly on Monday’s Actions Detrimental podcast about his role as a Daytona 500-winning team owner, Hamlin shared,
“It certainly makes up for the sting of the race. The day was more good than bad. … They told me when I crossed the line. … The first thing I was thinking was, ‘I wonder how that happened?’ … He created a run. He created a run, and I looked at how he got that run through [Turns] 3 and 4, and I was very proud. I was very, very proud.” ?Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver and Team Owner
The Impact of Michael Jordan’s Presence on 23XI Racing
In the post-Daytona 500 press conference, Hamlin highlighted the influence of Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, on the team and the sport itself. Hamlin described Jordan as the world’s most popular athlete and emphasized his dedication to NASCAR.
“He loves the sport, and certainly he goes to a lot of races. Sometimes you don’t even see him, and he’s there. He makes more races than people know. But he loves this race team. In that same meeting that we had just a few weeks ago with the team, I reminded them about Talladega and how excited he was on pit road, and I was like, you know, do you guys understand the responsibilities that you have, that you have the power to bring joy to Michael Jordan? You have that power.” ?Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver and Team Owner
Broader Consequences of the Wreck and Season Outlook
The Atlanta wreck involving Hamlin not only disrupted several key competitors but also underscored the high stakes and intensity of early-season NASCAR races. For Hamlin and 23XI Racing, the incident represents both a challenge and a reminder of the competitive nature of the sport, especially with championship aspirations linked to teammates like Tyler Reddick.
Moving forward, the team’s ability to rebound and maintain focus will be critical as the season progresses, particularly with major events and playoff races on the horizon. Maintaining car performance and minimizing mishaps in races like Atlanta will be vital to capitalize on the momentum generated by earlier successes.
Denny Hamlin's team is working on the right side. @prnbrett reports a lot of focus on the right rear quarterpanel and tire area. A NASCAR official is pointing at the car, telling them what they must fix to get him back in the race.
— PRN (@PRNlive) February 22, 2026
Tyler Reddick is getting further repairs. @theNAPAnetwork reporter @prnbrett says the team is having a weird issue.
It's so cold outside that the tape won't stick to the car. So theyr'e trying to figure out a way to secure those loose panels.
— PRN (@PRNlive) February 22, 2026
Denny Hamlin goes around and triggers a pileup in Atlanta! pic.twitter.com/pEdKXFCsJT
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 22, 2026
