NASCAR’s playoff race in Las Vegas reached a real boiling point during Stage 2 when Kyle Larson and Bubba Wallace collided on Lap 94.
Larson appeared to bump Wallace into the wall around Turn 3, prompting Wallace to lose a bit of stability on the track. Wallace returned the favor, bumping back into Larson before sending him into the infield with a seemingly intentional right hook.
A caution flag was waved as both cars were knocked out the South Point 400. As Larson’s car went spiraling, he clipped Round of 8 driver Christopher Bell. Bell’s car was also knocked out of competition as a result of the the wreck.
MORE: Live updates, highlights from NASCAR playoff race at Las Vegas
Here’s a video of the wreck:
Kyle Larson hits Bubba Wallace.
Wallace spins him out, and #NASCARPlayoffs driver Christopher Bell is involved! pic.twitter.com/TlxcEV5T6q
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 16, 2022
And the in-car footage of Wallace and Larson’s collision:
An in-car look at what happened between @BubbaWallace and @KyleLarsonRacin in Stage 2. pic.twitter.com/o5II32KZDc
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 16, 2022
In the aftermath of the wreck, Wallace approached Larson. The pair got into an altercation, with Wallace shoving the Hendrick Motorsports driver a few times. It appeared the two shared a few words as well, with Wallace seemingly displeased with Larson’s move.
Bubba Wallace is NOT HAPPY with Kyle Larson.
Some pushes and shoves after they wreck. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/aaAn0idrJp
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 16, 2022
Speaking with NBC’s Marty Snider, Wallace indicated that the collision was precipitated by Larson’s decision to try to make a three-wide dive bomb on him and Kevin Harvick. Despite probing from Snider, Wallace said his reaction to Larson’s move wasn’t retaliatory.
“I don’t lift.”
Hear from @BubbaWallace after his incident with Kyle Larson. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/XUMPs2sRsf
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 16, 2022
Larson had a different view on the matter. He told Snider that although Wallace had a right to be frustrated with Larson’s decision to put him into the wall, his reaction was an unnecessary one — especially amid growing concerns over head injuries across the sports world.
‘@KyleLarsonRacin addressed Bubba Wallace’s move and if he thinks it was retaliation. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/sDVDXJTDxU
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 16, 2022
It remains to be seen whether Wallace will face any punishment for his actions. Bell, a fellow Toyota driver, told reporters that he felt Wallace’s move was intentional and retaliatory. However, he stopped short of saying what punishment should be doled out to the 23XI Racing driver.
Christopher Bell on the frustration, whether Bubba Wallace should face further discipline and the challenge ahead: pic.twitter.com/aPrTUbnbtp
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 16, 2022
For what it’s worth, Bell’s crew chief said the team didn’t feel anything Wallace did was intended to knock Bell out of Sunday’s race. That’s an imperative distinction, especially given the fact that the two Ford drivers are flying home in the same plane, per The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck.
Bell and Wallace’s teams will fly home together on the same plane. Awkward?
Bell CC Adam Stevens: “Not for me. … (Wallace) is running his own race. He certainly didn’t do anything to intentionally put us in jeopardy. Nobody would accuse him of that. So it’ll be a fine flight.”
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) October 16, 2022
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