NASCAR Suspends Bubba Wallace for One Race Following Las Vegas Incident
May 15, 2025 – Charlotte, NC — NASCAR has announced the suspension of driver Bubba Wallace for one race following an on-track altercation during the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The incident, which occurred on Lap 94 of the race, involved Wallace intentionally wrecking fellow driver Kyle Larson and subsequently engaging in a physical confrontation.
According to NASCAR’s official statement, Wallace’s actions violated several sections of the NASCAR Rule Book, including Section 4.4.C, which prohibits intentionally wrecking or spinning another vehicle. The organization deemed Wallace’s behavior as a serious breach of conduct, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety and professionalism within the sport.
The incident began when Larson attempted a three-wide pass, resulting in contact that sent Wallace into the wall. Wallace retaliated by turning left and hooking Larson’s car into the outside wall, causing significant damage to both vehicles. Following the crash, Wallace exited his car and approached Larson, shoving him multiple times before walking away. The altercation was captured on broadcast and quickly drew widespread attention.
In response to the suspension, Wallace issued a public apology, acknowledging that his actions were unacceptable and did not reflect the values of NASCAR or his team, 23XI Racing. He expressed regret for allowing emotions to dictate his behavior and committed to learning from the incident.
The suspension means that Wallace will miss the upcoming race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. His team, 23XI Racing, has announced that John Hunter Nemechek will substitute for Wallace in the No. 45 Toyota Camry during the event. The team has also stated that they will not appeal the penalty and will support Wallace in his efforts to address the situation.
This marks the first time since 2015 that a NASCAR Cup Series driver has been suspended for actions during a race. The decision underscores NASCAR’s commitment to upholding its Code of Conduct and ensuring that all participants adhere to the highest standards of behavior both on and off the track
