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Bubba Wallace’s Unforgettable Clash: The NASCAR Incident That Shook Las Vegas and Its Aftermath

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 14, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Bubba Wallace Sets the Tone with New Crew Chief: ‘I Wanna Win, But I Wanna Have Fun Too’

Nov 10, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NASCAR is synonymous with raw emotions, unscripted drama, and high-octane racing. When the rubber meets the road, tempers often flare, leading to unforgettable moments that etch themselves into the annals of the sport. One such iconic instance was the fiery clash between Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson during the South Point 400 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2022.

On October 16, 2022, the Las Vegas race was in full swing when chaos ensued. Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson locked horns on lap 94, leading to a spectacle that left spectators and teams, including Rick Hendrick’s crew, in a state of shock and disbelief.

The drama unfolded when Larson, driving his No. 5 Hendrick Chevy, attempted to force Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota up the track in Turn 4. Wallace stood his ground, resulting in Larson’s vehicle clipping him and sending him spiraling into the wall. The incident also saw Christopher Bell getting entangled in the wreckage.

However, the real spectacle was yet to unfold. An enraged Wallace stepped out of his damaged vehicle, crossed 300 yards of infield, and confronted Larson, shoving him five times despite officials trying to intervene.

Larson acknowledged his aggressive maneuver but accused Wallace of overreacting by retaliating against him and Bell, and later charging at him. To quote Larson, “I knew he [Bubba Wallace] was going to retaliate some. Probably a little bit overboard, and I get it—I made it a three-wide situation going into (Turn) 3 that ended up taking him out.”

Wallace’s fiery response, captured by FOX, was a raw, unfiltered display of fury directed straight at Larson. NASCAR President Steve Phelps, in an interview with The Athletic, expressed his displeasure, stating that Wallace had crossed the line. He emphasized that NASCAR is not WWE; its storylines are not scripted but unfold naturally.

NASCAR took serious action against Wallace for his on-field retaliation, suspending him for one race. This made him the first driver in recent history to be banned from racing due to on-track retaliation. Wallace missed the Homestead-Miami race as a consequence, breaking every post-crash safety rule.

In response to the ban, Wallace issued an apology, stating, “I want to apologize for my actions. … It’s not my character.” He received full support from his team, 23XI Racing, who reassured that they planned to handle the matter internally and respected NASCAR’s decision. Co-owner Denny Hamlin also expressed his support for Wallace, albeit acknowledging the undesirable situation.

The fallout from the incident saw a polarized fanbase, with some hailing Wallace for standing up for himself, while others criticized his reckless behavior. The incident was a turning point for Wallace, who didn’t just challenge Larson, but also the norms of NASCAR itself.

Off the track, Wallace faces a different kind of pressure. As a driver for 23XI Racing, co-owned by basketball legend Michael Jordan, Wallace grapples with the high expectations that come with the territory. Despite not being physically present at every race, Jordan’s constant communication and commitment are palpable within the 23XI camp. This commitment is not just inspiring but also a constant driving force that keeps Wallace on his toes.

Jordan’s influence extends beyond the racetrack, with Wallace feeling the pressure in his day-to-day life. While Wallace’s Talladega win was a testament to his potential, the lows hit harder under Jordan’s watchful eye. The constant reminders from Jordan serve as a prompt that Wallace races not just for himself but also for a team, a vision, and a new era in NASCAR.

The incident in Las Vegas was a clear testament to the raw emotions and unscripted drama that make NASCAR ‘Truly American’. It was a reminder that while the sport thrives on its competitive spirit, the safety and conduct of its athletes are paramount. This balance between spectacle and safety is a delicate one, and NASCAR’s handling of the Wallace-Larson incident reinforces its commitment to this principle.

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