In a dramatic twist to the late-race incident at Darlington, Auto Racing Analytics has concluded that Kyle Larson was responsible for his own crash in the final laps — not Bubba Wallace. According to the data, Larson hit the brakes just before making contact with Wallace, triggering the collision that ended both drivers’ chances of a strong finish.
As the race neared its conclusion, tensions were high, and every position counted. Larson and Wallace were locked in a fierce battle for track position when Larson suddenly decelerated while heading into the corner. The move caught Wallace off guard, leaving him with little room to react. What initially looked like a possible misjudgment by Wallace was, in fact, a case of Larson putting himself in a vulnerable spot.
Auto Racing Analytics broke down the telemetry and confirmed that Larson’s brake input came earlier than expected in that situation, especially given how close Wallace was behind him. The unexpected move disrupted the flow and created the chain reaction that led to the crash.
For Wallace, this is a much-needed moment of clarity. The 23XI Racing driver has often faced undue criticism after on-track incidents, even when the evidence doesn’t support it. This time, the numbers don’t lie — he did nothing wrong.
This analysis puts the blame squarely on Larson’s shoulders. While the Hendrick Motorsports driver is known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style, this misstep proved costly. Whether it was a defensive move gone wrong or a misread of the corner entry, the end result was the same: two cars wrecked, and a controversy that sparked debates across the NASCAR community.
In racing, split-second decisions often define a driver’s day. In this case, Larson’s decision cost him — and nearly cost Wallace his reputation. Thanks to the data, the truth is now out: Bubba Wallace didn’t cause the crash, and it’s time fans stopped treating him like the villain every time tempers flare.
Auto Racing Analytics’ findings reinforce the importance of letting facts lead the conversation, not assumptions. At Darlington, those facts show Kyle Larson simply got it wrong.
