NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace will miss Sunday’s race at Homestead-Miami after he intentionally wrecked and then shoved Kyle Larson last week in Las Vegas. However, the punishment from NASCAR apparently only pales in comparison to what Wallace’s own team did.
Denny Hamlin, co-owner of the 23XI Racing team that Wallace drives for, said on Saturday that they have dealt with Bubba in a way that goes “above and beyond” the penalties handed down by NASCAR. He did not clarify what that means, exactly.
“He understands where I stand, where the team stands, the values that we want to present on the racetrack, and he just didn’t represent it that well last week,” Hamlin said. “But you know, in the grand scheme of things, we’re very happy with his progress. And he knows he’s still got some stuff to work on when he gets out of the race car.”
23XI’s official statement on the NASCAR Las Vegas Penalty. pic.twitter.com/Pdopqtae1e
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) October 18, 2022
The incident in question started when Larson pinched Wallace into the outside wall during last week’s race. Wallace then appeared to steer into Larson’s car, sending both drivers spinning. The accident also affected driver Christopher Bell. Afterward, Wallace got out of his car and confronted Larson, shoving him several times before they were separated.
Bubba Wallace is NOT HAPPY with Kyle Larson.
Some pushes and shoves after they wreck. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/aaAn0idrJp
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 16, 2022
Wallace did apologize through social media but isn’t at the race this weekend. However, it sounds like he hasn’t spoken to Larson directly, though that’s fine with him.
Kyle Larson says he felt good this week, no effects from the accident Sunday. He has not talked nor texted with Bubba Wallace.
Larson: “I don’t expect an apology for anything. I’m all good on my end.” pic.twitter.com/ytpb2qwKut
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 22, 2022
“I don’t expect an apology for anything,” said Larson. “I’m all good on my end.”
[ESPN]
