The newly re-configured Atlanta Motor Speedway is bringing chaos, which came early on Sunday. Bubba Wallace was the first to spin as he got loose off Turn 2.
Wallace was by himself when he spun and tapped the inside wall with his nose. Wallace was able to remain in the race, and maintain competitive speed, but lost two laps due to being stuck on flat tires.
First caution is for Bubba Wallace! Got loose off the turn and spun. He continues, but is two laps down. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/JatI8yTFdh
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 19, 2023
Wallace apologized for the spin and told the team that right when he spun, he was about to alert them over the radio his front tires were “slipping up.”
Wallace’s only hope for a good finish is having no one else fall down any laps so he can get those laps back. Spinning early in the race gives Wallace almost the full 400 miles to get his laps back. At the time of the crash, Wallace was two laps down, and eventually fell three laps down by the end of Stage 1. Needless to say, even though he’s the only driver not on the lead lap and can keep up with the pack, it’s going to be an uphill battle to get those laps back and salvage a decent finish.
With the close racing and high winds, there’s a good chance Wallace won’t be the only person spinning. Wallace’s teammate Tyler Reddick told his team during the race that the dirty air is affecting the Toyotas, while Chase Briscoe said before the race that the cars feel like they’ll “break loose at any moment.”
