NASCAR fans may have different reasons for loving the sport, but one thing they all agree on is the raw emotion and unpredictable action that makes it feel “Truly American.” Drivers rarely back down, and crashes have been part of the sport since its beginning. Jimmie Johnson summed it up perfectly, saying, “People love the crashes… but you have to keep the athletes safe and protect their lives.” Despite the safety concerns, the post-race fights are just as intense.
Take the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race—Ricky Stenhouse Jr. threw punches at Kyle Busch. And who can forget the 2014 Richmond race where Marcos Ambrose punched Casey Mears on live TV? NASCAR doesn’t take physical altercations lightly. With the Las Vegas race approaching, fans can’t help but remember the infamous 2022 clash between Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson.
During the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 16, 2022, tensions flared on lap 94. Larson, driving the No. 5 Hendrick Chevy, tried to squeeze Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota up the track. Wallace didn’t back down, resulting in contact that sent him into the wall, also damaging Larson’s car and involving Christopher Bell. Wallace, still fuming, stormed across the infield and shoved Larson multiple times, ignoring officials.
Larson admitted his move was aggressive but felt Wallace overreacted. NASCAR President Steve Phelps didn’t hold back either, saying Wallace “crossed the line.” NASCAR suspended Wallace for one race—missing Homestead-Miami—for violating post-crash safety protocols. Wallace later apologized, acknowledging his actions didn’t reflect his true character. Although his team, 23XI Racing, supported him, the incident sparked heated debates among fans. While some admired Wallace for standing up for himself, others saw it as reckless.
Adding to the pressure is Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing. Since entering NASCAR in 2020 alongside Denny Hamlin, Jordan has brought an intense drive for success. Wallace revealed that Jordan constantly checks in, offering both support and high expectations. Whether before or after a race, Jordan’s messages remind Wallace that he’s racing for more than just himself—he represents a groundbreaking vision for NASCAR. While his Talladega win showcased his potential, the pressure from Jordan’s legacy is ever-present. For Bubba Wallace, balancing that weight off the track is as challenging as anything he faces on it.
