Michael Jordan Aug 14, 2022; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR team owner Michael Jordan looks on during the Federated Auto Part 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Jordan sat on the top of Bubba Wallace’s pit box at Talladega with a chance to see him take victory. Wallace was up front for most of the race, and the 23XI Racing driver had himself in a prime position on the final lap to win.

Unfortunately, for Wallace, he didn’t make it around for the finish. Instead, Wallace tangled with his good friend Ryan Blaney and went into the wall. As a result, Kyle Busch won the GEICO 500 as the race ended under caution, while Blaney finished second.

A camera was on MJ for the finish. While he didn’t seem mad at anyone, Jordan wasn’t happy either.

That’s the range of emotions being an owner, a driver, or even a fan. You see your driver in the lead one second, and then they’re crashed the next. Jordan has only been a team owner for a few years, but he’s a longtime NASCAR fan so he knows all too well of that.

Both Blaney and Wallace spoke to reporters about the crash after the race. Both felt bad about what happened, though Blaney took issue with Wallace blocking him multiple times on that lap. Wallace took blame for blocking Blaney and getting wrecked, but he expected Blaney to not make his move until closer to the tri-oval on the last lap.

Wallace wound up finishing 28th.

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About Phillip Bupp

Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them.

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