During the Grant Park 165 held this past weekend in Chicago, NASCAR drivers Bubba Wallace and Alex Bowman were involved in a notable incident that has drawn significant attention. On Lap 70, Bowman caused Wallace to spin out while contesting position, resulting in a disappointing P28 finish for the 31-year-old Cup Series competitor. The event has prompted NASCAR to announce a review of the confrontation involving the two drivers.
Post-Race Discussion and NASCAR’s Planned Investigation
Following the race, Wallace and Bowman briefly discussed the incident on track, which did not escalate into a heated exchange. Despite the relatively calm interaction, NASCAR insiders Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck have indicated that the sport’s governing body is likely to conduct a thorough review. Gluck explained on the latest episode of The Teardown that NASCAR aims to analyze whether Bowman intentionally caused the spin or if Wallace’s own movements contributed to the crash.
NASCAR will be taking a closer look at Bowman versus Bubba,
Jeff Gluck said.
That was what I was told. At first I was like, ‘Oh, Bowman just dumped him.’ It looked like Bowman might’ve right-reared him. Then, on another replay I saw, it was like, ‘Oh, maybe Bubba cleared himself across.’
Bowman said he thought that he was being pinballed between the wall and Bubba, and that’s what happened,
Gluck continued.
He, of course— you have to say this… He said he didn’t right-rear him on purpose. So, yeah— I don’t know about that.
Opinions on Wallace’s Response and Its Impact on Playoff Prospects
Jordan Bianchi expressed that Wallace’s decision to confront Bowman after the spin may have been a mistake with significant consequences. Bianchi argued that Wallace’s actions potentially cost him valuable points, which could affect his position as the season advances toward the playoffs. The pressure on Wallace to maintain composure amid what Bianchi called a “frustrating day” is notable given the stakes involved at this stage in the season.
It was a driver in Bubba Wallace who cost himself today a lot of points,
said Bianchi.
… I don’t know if it’s just in the heat of the moment. You’ve had a frustrating day and you’re getting bounced around again. That’s tough, but you have to rein that in. And it’s hard. I get that. … But he’s in a very precarious spot.
Ongoing Rivalry and What NASCAR’s Review Could Mean
The incident is likely far from the end of tensions between Wallace and Bowman, who have a history of competitive clashes in recent years. NASCAR’s forthcoming decision regarding any penalties will be closely watched, as it could influence not only the drivers’ standings but also the nature of their rivalry moving forward. The review underscores NASCAR’s role in managing on-track conduct and maintaining fairness in what has become an emotionally charged competition.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Bubba Wallace ever win a race?
A. On October 26, 2013, Wallace made history by becoming the first African-American driver to win a NASCAR national series race since 1963. He won the Camping World Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway.
Q. Has Bubba Wallace won a race?
A. Wallace became the first Black driver to win a Cup Series race since Wendell Scott did it back in 1963. He also achieved the first victory for a McDonald’s-sponsored car since Jimmy Spencer in 1994. On October 4, 2021, Wallace secured his first career Cup win at Talladega when the race ended early because of rain.
