Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic revealed that NASCAR driver Aric Almirola was involved in a brawl with Bubba Wallace during a competitive event. Based on information from industry sources, Bianchi said the meeting was a gathering of drivers from 23XI Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing, who are linked through a partnership with Toyota. The incident caused Almirola to miss the Xfinity race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25. Ty Gibbs, who took the pole position for the race representing Almirola, said he was only informed three days before that he would be taking the wheel. At the time, a JGR spokesperson called the change a “team decision.” Almirola was reportedly suspended by the team for the altercation and is scheduled to return to the track next month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. However, this isn’t the first time a team has benched a driver for reasons unrelated to on-track antics.
1. Noah Gragson was suspended by his team and NASCAR for his social media activity
Noah Gragson suffered a major setback last year when he was suspended indefinitely, first by Legacy Motor Club and then by NASCAR. The move came after Gragson allegedly “liked” a racially insensitive post on Instagram.
Legacy Motor Club quickly announced its decision to suspend the 25-year-old driver, citing his actions as counter to the team’s values. NASCAR also addressed the situation, noting that Gragson’s actions violated Section 4.4.D of the rules governing driver conduct. They supported the Legacy Motor Club’s original decision and emphasized the seriousness of the violations regarding member conduct outlined in the 2023 NASCAR rulebook.
Following his suspension, Gragson completed the required sensitivity training and was reinstated by NASCAR on September 12, 2023. He is currently behind the wheel of the No. 10 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing.
2. Kyle Larson suspended indefinitely by Chip Ganassi Racing
Kyle Larson was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR and his then-team, Chip Ganassi Racing, in 2020 for using a racial slur during a live stream of a virtual race. The incident occurred while Larson was participating in an iRacing event and appeared to lose connection with his spotter. While checking his microphone, he accidentally uttered the derogatory remark.
Larson was quickly faced with the consequences of his actions, admitting that there was “no excuse” for his language and apologizing in a video on his social media accounts. The organization ordered Larson to complete a sensitivity training course as a condition of reinstatement. After completing the necessary rehabilitation, Larson returned to racing with Hendrick Motorsports. His return was successful, winning the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series title and getting his career back on track.
3. Jeremy Mayfield was suspended and fired from the team
The trouble began when Mayfield made controversial comments about team owner Ray Evernham and up-and-coming talent Erin Crocker, causing tension within the team. As a result, he was released by Evernham Motorsports. In 2009, Mayfield tried to return to Cup racing with his own team, but he quickly ran into trouble again. He was required to take a drug test, which he failed. Mayfield revealed that he was taking Adderall to treat his ADHD, but that didn’t absolve him from the suspension. A lengthy legal battle ensued, and ultimately NASCAR banned him for life, bringing a dramatic and controversial end to his career in the sport.
