DEVASTATING NEWS: NASCAR Drivers Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin Die in Tragic Plane Crash
In an unimaginable tragedy that has left the NASCAR community in mourning, drivers Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin have been confirmed dead following a fatal plane crash. The incident occurred on the evening of May 26, 2025, when the aircraft they were aboard went down shortly after takeoff from Concord Regional Airport in North Carolina. Both drivers were en route to a team meeting in Virginia.
The aircraft, a Beechcraft Super King Air 200, was registered to 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. According to initial reports from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the plane encountered severe weather conditions shortly after departure, leading to a loss of control. All six individuals on board, including Hamlin and Wallace, were pronounced dead at the scene. The NTSB has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
Bubba Wallace, 29, was a trailblazer in NASCAR, becoming the first Black driver to win a Cup Series race since 1963. He was known not only for his racing prowess but also for his advocacy for racial equality and social justice within the sport. Wallace had been with 23XI Racing since its inception and was a beloved figure among fans and peers alike.
Denny Hamlin, 44, had a storied career in NASCAR, securing three Daytona 500 victories and numerous top-ten finishes throughout his tenure. In addition to his driving accomplishments, Hamlin co-founded 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan, aiming to bring greater diversity to the sport. His leadership both on and off the track has left an indelible mark on NASCAR.
The news of their deaths has sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community. Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, expressed his devastation, stating, “Today, we lost two of the brightest stars in our sport. Bubba and Denny were more than teammates; they were family. My heart goes out to their families and all who loved them.”
Fellow drivers and team members have also shared their grief. Kyle Larson, a close friend of Wallace, tweeted, “Heartbroken doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel. Bubba was a brother to me.” NASCAR President Steve Phelps issued a statement saying, “Bubba and Denny were not only exceptional drivers but also ambassadors for our sport. Their loss is felt deeply by all of us.
As the NASCAR community grapples with this profound loss, tributes and memorials are being planned to honor the legacies of Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin. Fans are encouraged to share their memories and condolences through official NASCAR platforms. Further details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services will be announced in the coming days.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in motorsports and the fleeting nature of life. Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin’s contributions to NASCAR and their efforts to promote diversity and inclusion will continue to inspire future generations of racers and fans.
