Bubba Wallace’s spotter sharply criticized NASCAR driver Joey Logano following the dramatic conclusion of the All-Star Race held on May 18, 2025, at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina. The heated exchange surfaced after Logano, who finished second behind Christopher Bell, expressed visible frustration over his race performance despite leading for a significant portion of the event. The incident casts a spotlight on driver conduct during high-stakes competitions and underscores tensions within the NASCAR community.
Joey Logano Expresses Frustration Over Race Outcome
Joey Logano, driving the #22 Shell-Pennzoil Mustang, openly admitted feeling “pissed off” and “frustrated” after the race, which awarded a $1 million prize to the winner. Although he dominated much of the race by leading 139 of the 250 laps, Logano struggled with a critical late-race caution. This caution reshaped the field, enabling Christopher Bell to gain fresh tires and eventually overtake Logano on Lap 241 despite the latter’s attempt to maintain position.
“I’m pissed off right now,” Logano said.
“Just dang it, we had the fastest car. The Shell-Pennzoil Mustang was so fast. You get to … I’m trying to choose my words correctly on the caution situation. Obviously, I got bit by it, so I am the one frustrated.”
Bubba Wallace’s Spotter Calls Out Logano for Hypocrisy
Freddie Kraft, Joey Logano’s spotter, responded to Logano’s comments with a mix of amusement and criticism during an appearance on the Door Bumper Clear podcast. Kraft labeled Logano’s complaints about the caution as hypocritical and questioned his reaction, highlighting that the caution was expected and acknowledged by many during the race. Kraft also implied that Logano’s frustration came across as unjustified, framing it as a reversal of fortunes after previously benefiting from similar race situations.
“It’s just funny for me. He gets out of the car. First of all, he’s mad about the caution… The roles were reversed. He was finally the best car and got beat by strategy or caution. But we all knew that caution was coming.” — Freddie Kraft, Spotter
Race Strategies and Key Moments That Defined the Finish
The late caution on Lap 216 played a pivotal role in deciding the race’s outcome, with Bell choosing to pit for fresh tires while Logano stayed out, attempting to maintain track position. Bell’s fresher tires gave him a decisive advantage in the closing laps. As Bell moved alongside Logano near the final turn, he applied pressure by nudging Logano against the outer wall, which allowed him to take the lead and secure the victory.
“He did a great job of trying to keep me behind him, and I knew that once I got that run off Turn 4, it was like alright, I’m going to have to be a little more aggressive and kind of leaned on him and got him out of position,” Bell said after the race. “I knew once I got the lead, I had the tire advantage so I should be able to cruise, and it worked out that way.” — Christopher Bell, NASCAR Driver
Implications of the Race and Reactions in NASCAR Community
The race outcome proved costly for Logano, who was expected by many to seize the win given his car’s early dominance. The tension between Logano and his spotter, Kraft, highlights the emotional pressure drivers face in high-stakes events, as well as how split-second strategic decisions and unpredictable cautions influence race results. Meanwhile, Christopher Bell’s triumph at North Wilkesboro marks another milestone in his NASCAR Cup Series career, further elevating his standing among NASCAR’s top competitors.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching how Logano rebounds from this setback, especially given his strong performance throughout much of the race. The episode also opens discussions about attitudes toward cautions and race management strategies that often sway the outcomes of pivotal events in the NASCAR Cup Series season.
