Bubba Wallace retaliated on Kyle Larson at Las Vegas Motor Speedway; Then, pushed the driver multiple times
Update: Bubba Wallace suspended
On Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series returned to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The 1.5-mile track brought a highlight reel of drama in the playoff race.
Read the Bubba Wallace apology below.
On lap 95 of 267, Kyle Larson slid Kevin Harvick and Bubba Wallace for the 5th position. Larson cleared Harvick but Wallace remained to his outside off turn four.
Bubba Wallace vs Kyle Larson at Las Vegas (Video)
Larson ran wide off the corner. No contact was made but Wallace was crowded and drove into the outside wall.
After bouncing off the wall, Wallace stayed in the throttle, turned left and drove directly into the right rear of Larson. Larson was hooked at a high rate of speed and made a heavy door-side impact with the wall.
After the incident, Wallace stated that he didn’t lift noting that it was a battle of who would lift first. In other interviews he stated that he did lift but Larson didn’t.
Wallace also stated that after the initial impact, his car was broken. He tried to claim he had no steering, causing him to drive into the right rear of Larson.
However, throttle data clearly shows that Wallace was full throttle while impacting Larson’s right rear. You can connect the rest of the dots.
The incident also collected Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell. Bell is in the playoffs and JGR has affiliation with Wallace’s team, 23XI Racing.
Las Vegas Race Results: October 16, 2022 (NASCAR Cup Series)
Bubba Wallace shoves Kyle Larson
Both cars were destroyed and each driver climbed from their machines. Wallace walked across the track, toward Larson. As he approached, Wallace dropped his helmet and lunged at Larson.
The No. 5 driver was shoved into the rear quarter panel of his damaged and jagged machine. Wallace then shoved him several more times as the safety team waved for a NASCAR official to come to the scene.
Larson attempted to walk away, several times.
An official eventually reached the scene and walked with Wallace toward the infield care center. The official tapped Wallace on the shoulder multiple times, telling him to go to the ambulance. Wallace shoved the officials hands away and continued on his own path to the care center.
William Byron was recently fined $100,000 for on-track retaliation. However, that incident didn’t escalate to a physical altercation.
Update: Bubba Wallace suspended
William Byron vs Denny Hamlin (Video)
Bubba Wallace attacks Kyle Larson: Vegas NASCAR Crash (Video)
Safety issues
The timing of the incident is surrounded by the issue of safety. At the start of the season, NASCAR launched the Next Gen car. It’s safer in a lot of ways but there’s also safety bugs that are being worked out.
The Next Gen car has issues, specifically regarding rear impacts of the car. Three drivers recently suffered fractions and concussions following crashes.
Kurt Busch, at Las Vegas, announced his retirement from full-time competition. Busch is a teammate to Wallace at 23XI Racing.
NASCAR has a plan in place to address safety issues with the new car. However, those changes won’t be made until the 2023 season.
At the same time, retaliation, is typically saved for short tracks. It’s very rare to see a driver hooked in the right rear on 1.5-mile tracks.
Kurt Busch retiring from full-time NASCAR racing after concussion
NASCAR president addresses many issues in the sport after safety meeting
NASCAR drivers comment after safety meeting
Bubba Wallace issues apology
“I want to apologize for my actions on Sunday following the on-track incident with Kyle Larson and the No. 5 car,” Bubba Wallace stated.
“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.”
“I want to apologize to NASCAR and the fans, along with Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota for putting them in a situation in the playoffs that they do not deserve.”
“I compete with immense passion and with passion at times comes frustration. 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.”
Wallace concluded, “You live and learn, and I intend to learn from this.”
A NASCAR penalty is in play. The series releases their weekly penalty reports on Tuesday or Wednesday, after the event.
Update: Bubba Wallace suspended
Bubba Wallace congratulates Kyle Larson after his first win following a suspension (2020)
Bubba Wallace silences haters with another NASCAR win (Video)
Links
Kyle Larson | Bubba Wallace | Las Vegas Motor Speedway | NASCAR
