NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace is apologizing for his behavior during a race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway over the weekend.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Wallace wrote, “I want to apologize for my actions on Sunday following the on-track incident with Kyle Larson and the No. 5 car.”
“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,” he continued. “I want to apologize to NASCAR and the fans, along with Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Toyota for putting them in a situation in the Playoffs that they do not deserve.”
Finally, Wallace said, “I compete with immense passion, and with passion at times comes frustration. Upon reflecting, I should have represented our partners and core team values better than I did by letting my frustrations follow me outside of the car.”
“You live and learn, and I intend to learn from his,” he added.
Read the statement below:
Reflection. pic.twitter.com/ZpamWzjZJR
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) October 17, 2022
Video from the race shows Larson’s car near Wallace’s car, which apparently caused him to hit the wall.
Wallace then drives across the track and hits Larson’s car.
In case you missed it:
Kyle Larson hits Bubba Wallace.
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 16, 2022
Wallace spins him out, and #NASCARPlayoffs driver Christopher Bell is involved! pic.twitter.com/TlxcEV5T6q
Another video shows Wallace approaching Larson with his arms outstretched.
He then repeatedly shoves Larson and appears to be yelling at him.
Stage 1 winner @BubbaWallace and @KyleLarsonRacin get together, and then this…😳🥊 #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/eQHjtb2t5d
— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) October 16, 2022
After the incident, Dustin Long, an NBC reporter who covers NASCAR, tweeted, “[NASCAR] states that they will review the entire incident between Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson this week.”
#NASCAR states that they will review the entire incident between Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson this week.
— Dustin Long (@dustinlong) October 16, 2022
NASCAR did NOT call Wallace to the hauler after the incident.
“NASCAR did NOT call Wallace to the hauler after the incident,” he added.