Bubba Wallace Issues Apology After Wrecking Kyle Larson At Las Vegas

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Seems like Bubba Wallace has had some time to reflect on his actions from yesterday’s NASCAR race. And now he’s issuing an apology.

In case you missed it, on lap 94 of the NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400, Kyle Larson made a pass on Kevin Harvick to go neck and neck with Bubba Wallace who was coming past Harvick on the outside.

Larson rode up the track and put Bubba into the wall.

But Wallace, in a wild and high-speed display of retaliation, took out Larson after the contact, ending both of their days, and taking Christopher Bell, a playoff driver, out in the process.

And then after the wreck, Bubba took off his helmet, walked over to Larson who was exiting his own car, and started shoving him.

Larson declined to engage in what could’ve turned into a roadside fight.

Immediately following the race, Bubba was rather pointed in his criticism of Larson:

“When you get shoved into the fence, deliberately like he did, trying to force me to lift, steering is gone… Larson wanted to make a three-wide divebomb, never cleared me.

And I don’t lift, so I know I’m kinda new to running up front, but I don’t lift…. just a piss poor move on his execution.”

And when asked about the dangers of retaliating like that, at those high speeds, Bubba told the trackside reporter:

“Stop fishing, stop fishing…”

Seemed like a valid question to me, especially given the injuries we’ve seen in this new car this season. But ok…

And finally, when asked about taking out fellow Toyota teammate in Christopher Bell in the process, Bubba called it “sports.”

But it seems like Bubba’s calmed down a little bit. Had some time to reflect on his action (and his reaction). And, let’s be honest, probably heard from his team owners and sponsors.

And now he’s issued an apology.

In a statement posted to social media, Wallace apologized for his actions after the wreck – but seemed to stop short of apologizing to Larson for wrecking him, aside from the fact that Christopher Bell was taken out in the incident.

“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.

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. You live and learn, and I intend to learn from this.”

NASCAR Fans Call For Bubba Wallace’s Suspension After Dangerous Retaliation Against Kyle Larson

There has yet to be any disciplinary actions taken by NASCAR over the retaliation, but needless to say, fans are not happy with Wallace, and many are calling for his suspension.

With the amount of concussion issues we’ve seen this year, including what may be a career ending injury for Kurt Busch, it’s clear these Next Gen cars are not as safe as they should be.

So is intentionally causing a wreck at such a high rate of speed suspension-worthy?

Of course Bubba has probably the largest group of haters in NASCAR and they couldn’t wait to get on the Tweeter and scream for a permanent ban, but this seemed to be more than just your usual Bubba haters calling for a suspension:

Even self-proclaimed Bubba fans were saying he crossed the line:

 

NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass called for a points deduction and fine, but said the behavior probably wouldn’t warrant a suspension.

And many Bubba fans also pointed out that NASCAR set the precedent to NOT suspend drivers in situations like this way back in 2010 when Carl Edwards flipped Brad Keselowski at Atlanta.

NASCAR issues their penalties from the previous race on Tuesdays, so I guess we’ll find out tomorrow what, if any, consequences Bubba will face for his actions.

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