Bubba Wallace suspended after heated altercation with Kyle Larson following wreck at NASCAR Las Vegas playoff race

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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:

And the in-car footage of Wallace and Larson’s collision:

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

On Tuesday, NASCAR suspended Wallace for one race.

In the decision, NASCAR referenced violations of Sections 4.3.A and 4.4.C & E of the NASCAR Member Code of Conduct laid out in the NASCAR Rule Book. Rule 4.4.C lists “intentionally wrecking or spinning another vehicle, whether or not that vehicle is removed from Competition as a result” as one of five member actions that could result in a penalty.

Wallace issued a statement to his social media accounts Monday night, specifically addressing the post-wreck confrontation.

“I want to apologize for my actions on Sunday following the on-track incident with Kyle Larson and the No. 5 car,” Wallace wrote. “My behavior does not align with the core values that are shared by 23XI Racing and our partners, who have played a crucial role in my incredible journey to the top of this great sport.”

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