Iconic NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace was suspended from an upcoming race after he was involved in a physical altercation with another driver during Sunday’s race in Las Vegas.
The incident occurred between Wallace and fellow racer Kyle Larson during the NASCAR playoffs. The 29-year-old driver repeatedly clips into Larson’s Chevrolet, causing both vehicles to spin into the wall. When the two men exited their vehicles, Wallace approached his fellow driver and began shoving him multiple times. After careful consideration, the organization prohibited the driver from racing in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship event.
Following his suspension, the racer issued a public apology on social media. “I want to apologize for my actions on Sunday following the on-track incident with Kyle Larson and the No. 5 car,” the Alabama-born driver wrote on Twitter. “My behavior does not align with the core values that are shared by 23XI Racing and our partners, who have played a crucial role in my incredible journey to the top of this great sport.”
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Continuing, Wallas apologized to the sponsors that make driving in NASCAR possible and admitted his actions were not appropriate for the organization. “Upon reflecting, I should have represented our partners and core team values better than I did by letting my frustrations follow me outside of the car,” he added.
“You live and learn, and I intend to learn from this,” Wallace concluded.
NASCAR partners discuss the Bubba Wallace altercation
NASCAR’s chief operating officer, Steve O’Donnell, also discussed the incident on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s “SiriusXM Speedway” Tuesday. “We thought that was intentional and put other competitors at risk,” O’Donnell said of Wallace’s decision to mark the side of Larson’s vehicle.
“And as we look at the sport and where we are today and where we want to draw that line going forward, we thought that definitely crossed the line and that’s what we focused on in terms of making this call,” the NASCAR representative continued.
23XI, the team that represents Wallace, also released a statement standing in support of their driver’s suspension. “We understand the need for the series to take a clear stand on the incidents that took place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway,” they said.
The team added the sentiments, “Bubba’s actions are not in keeping with the values of our team and partners. We have spoken to Bubba and expressed our disapproval of how he handled the situation. Bubba has made impressive strides this season and this experience is an opportunity for him to further learn and grow as a competitor in NASCAR.”
