Crashes are an inevitable part of NASCAR, with some incidents occurring naturally while others result from drivers pushing limits to gain advantage or retaliate. These moments of chaos captivate fans but also serve as stark reminders of the constant dangers on the track. For Bubba Wallace, the reality of these risks hit home during a frightening 2018 Pocono crash early in his career.
Bubba Wallace’s Near-Deadly Experience at Pocono
During an interview on Casuals with Katie Nolan, Wallace described the alarming incident when his brakes completely failed on the long front stretch of Pocono Raceway.
I turn left, right?… And when I turned left, I was going straight, straight for the wall. So, that was actually the most scared I’ve ever been in the car. I thought I was going to die, though. Like legit.
The rookie driver explained how time seemed to slow as he struggled to regain control.
Wallace’s No. 43 Chevy shifted just enough at the final moment to avoid a full frontal collision. He recalled,
Oh, thank God. This is just going to hurt now,
just before slamming into the outside retaining wall after careening through the infield grass. Despite the severity, Wallace walked away with only a sore foot and a bite mark from accidentally biting his cheek during the crash.
Aftermath and Career Progression
At the time, Wallace was driving for Richard Petty Motorsports and had felt his brakes fading during the final laps, but the total failure left him powerless. After climbing from the wreck, he gave a thumbs-up but soon collapsed on the track and was treated at the infield care center.
Now 31 years old and racing for Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing team, Bubba Wallace has demonstrated remarkable resilience. His victory in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis earlier in the year secured his spot in the playoffs, underscoring his continued growth and determination in the sport.
