NASCAR has suspended driver Bubba Wallace for one race for intentionally wrecking and then shoving Kyle Larson Sunday in the NASCAR Cup series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The two drivers were racing side by side on lap 94 of the South Point 400 when Larson pinched Wallace into the outside wall. Wallace got his car under control, but appeared to steer down the track into Larson’s car, sending both drivers spinning. The accident also collected driver Christopher Bell, who is still competing to make the Championship 4.
The reason for the one sided attempt by Bubba Wallace to fight Kyle Larson. pic.twitter.com/v7y087Oy2F
— Nick Yeoman (@NYeoman) October 16, 2022
After the two cars came to a stop, Wallace walked over to confront Larson, shoving him several times before the two were separated.
Meanwhile in NASCAR…Bubba Wallace tried to fight Kyle Larson😳 pic.twitter.com/C5jv06zS4r
— Covers (@Covers) October 16, 2022
NASCAR cited two sections from the NASCAR Member Code of Conduct in issuing the penalty. Part of Wallace’s penalty is cited as “intentionally wrecking or spinning another vehicle, whether or not that vehicle is removed from Competition as a result.” He also violated the code of conduct by shoving Larson.
On Monday, Wallace apologized for his actions, saying 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. 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.”
Wallace will sit out Sunday’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Racing fans had some strong opinions on NASCAR’s decision.
https://twitter.com/fey_LsTnScRfN/status/1582478239796035586
So why not follow the Kenseth precedent which was 2 races? Gotta remember Bubba took out 2 Championship drivers (Larson still in for Owners) and also crossed a hot track which also broke another rule.
— gsmith6364 (@gsmith6364) October 18, 2022
Bubba Wallace tried to kill a guy during a race yesterday because he was angry. NASCAR went along with that garage door pull stunt a few years ago and created a cry baby self-entitled monster in the process. Yet another overgrown man child who has never been told no in his life.
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) October 17, 2022
Good! NASCAR needs to stop letting fights and all happen! We don't need more concussions! Glad to see them step up to the plate and actually start addressing it before they get their asses sued over it for doing nothing
— Faux George McCaskey *Parody* (@FauxMcCaskey) October 18, 2022
I'm fine with this being the penalty for this kind of incident, but it should then be enforced across every series. Gragson and hocevar should have also been penalized if this is the penalty.
Fine with the penalty but wish NASCAR would be consistent.
— Landon Rock (@Capn_Designs) October 18, 2022
The sport was literally built on a wreck and fight on national television
— Clinto Pete (@ClintoPete) October 18, 2022
I feel like the shoving after was the big part. That’s what bothered me the most. Unless I missed other crashes this year where the aggressor continued the conduct right after? But yes, I agree and hope we get consistent calls!
— CURSEDCROSSHAIR (@CURSEDCROSSHAIR) October 18, 2022
