NASCAR is currently investigating an on-track incident involving Bubba Wallace and Alex Bowman that occurred during the cool-down lap of the Grant Park 165 in Chicago last Sunday.
The incident originated when Bubba Wallace, apparently in revenge for a clash that occurred earlier during the race, intentionally collided with Alex Bowman’s car. Earlier in the race, during Stage 1, Wallace was hit by Bowman’s maneuver, increasing tension between the two drivers. After the race, NASCAR announced its intention to conduct a thorough review of the incident and consider possible penalties for Wallace’s actions.
Despite the heat of the moment, Bowman remained calm when speaking about the incident, for which he urged NASCAR not to punish Wallace. He said:
“She barely hit me, everything was fine and it was well deserved. I could have been mad too. I ruined her day. I just messed up. I’ve been thinking about it ever since it happened.” Embarrassed. I tried to call him during the rain delay and sent him a message.”
NASCAR’s response to such incidents typically involves a careful review followed by the imposition of any necessary sanctions. Taking inspiration from a similar situation recently, Carson Hocevar was punished for conduct under caution, which included a point deduction and a $50,000 fine. Given this precedent, the potential consequences for Wallace could mimic those faced by Hocevar. This situation is especially delicate as Wallace, who is well behind in the playoff race, has yet to earn a win this season and is hanging precariously close to the playoff cutoff.
Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 McDonald’s Toyota, waves to fans as he walks onto the stage during driver introductions before the NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway on June 16, 2024 in Newton, Iowa. Bubba Wallace is under investigation after the Grant Park 165.
James Gilbert/Getty Images
The results of NASCAR’s investigation are expected to be revealed Tuesday evening, leaving the racing community and fans awaiting a verdict. This incident, both the drivers and the potential penalties, highlight the increasing pressure and competitive tension inherent in racing, especially as the season moves towards its climax, making every point and every race crucial for the contenders.
2024 Grants Part 165 Cup Series results
- A Bowman -Chevrolet #48, Status: Running, Points: 54
- T. Reddick – Toyota · #45, Status: Running, Points: 37
- T.Gibbs – Toyota · #54, Status: Running, Points: 42
- J. Hand – Ford #60, Status: Running, Score: 43
- M. McDowell – Ford #34, Status: Running, Points: 32
- R. Stenhouse Jr. -Chevrolet #47, Status: Running, Points: 34
- T. Gilliland – Ford · #38, Position: Running, Points: 33
- W Byron -Chevrolet #24, Status: Running, Points: 29
- Of. bush -Chevrolet #8, Status: Running, Points: 28
- R. blaney – Ford #12, Status: Running, Points: 27
- D. Suarez -Chevrolet #99, Status: Running, Points: 27
- D. Hemric -Chevrolet #31, Status: Running, Points: 29
- D. Wallace Jr. – Toyota · #23, Status: On, Points: 28
- Ann Gragson – Ford #10, Status: Running, Points: 28
- A Cindric – Ford #2, Status: Running, Points: 22
- J. Haley – Ford #51, status: running, points: 21
- Jade Smith -Chevrolet #71, Status: Running, Points: 20
- B Keselowski – Ford #6, Status: Running, Points: 27
- A. Dillon -Chevrolet #3, Position: Running, Points: 18
- C.Busher – Ford #17, status: running, points: 17
- C. Elliot -Chevrolet #9, Position: Running, Points: 16
- R Chastain -Chevrolet #1, Position: Running, Points: 15
- J. logan – Ford #22, Position: Racing, Points: 14
- C. Hocevar -Chevrolet #77, Status: Running, Points: 20
- H. Burton – Ford #21, Position: Racing, Points: 14
- Of. Grella – Ford #15, Position: Racing, Points: 11
- C. Lajoie -Chevrolet #7, Position: Running, Points: 10
- J. Biliki – Ford · #66, Status: Running, Points: 0
- E. Jones – Toyota · #43, Status: Running, Score: 8
- D. Hamlin – Toyota · #11, Status: Running, Score: 8
- a hill -Chevrolet #33, Status: Running, Points: 0
- C. Briscoe – Ford #14, Position: Racing, Points: 12
- M. Truax Jr. – Toyota · #19, Status: Running, Score: 10
- R. preis – Ford #41, Position: Racing, Points: 3
- J. namecheck – Toyota · #42, Status: Running, Points: 2
- J. berry – Ford #4, Position: Racing, Points: 1
- C. Bell – Toyota #20, Status: DNF, Points: 10
- AJ Allmendinger -Chevrolet #13, Status: DNF, Points: 0
- Of. larson -Chevrolet #5, Status: DNF, Points: 7
- s van gisbergen -Chevrolet #16, Position: DNF, Points: 0
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.