NASCAR Launches Investigation Into Bubba Wallace After Intentional Crash With Alex Bowman Post-Race

NASCAR is currently reviewing 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 occurred when Bubba Wallace, apparently in retaliation for a collision earlier in the race, deliberately collided with Alex Bowman’s car. Earlier in the race, during the first stage, Bowman’s maneuver had caused Wallace to spin, which heightened tensions between the two drivers. After the race, NASCAR announced plans to thoroughly review the incident and consider possible penalties for Wallace’s actions.

Despite the emotion of the moment, Bowman remained calm as he spoke about the incident, for which he urged NASCAR not to penalize Wallace. He said:

“He barely hit me, it was fine and it was well deserved. I would be mad too. I ruined his day. I just made a mistake. I’ve been embarrassed about it ever since it happened. I tried calling him during the rain break and texted him.”

NASCAR’s response to such incidents typically involves scrutiny followed by appropriate sanctions. Drawing on a similar recent situation, Carson Hocevar was penalized for driving under caution, which resulted in points deductions and a $50,000 fine. Given that precedent, Wallace’s potential repercussions could mimic those Hocevar faced. This situation is particularly sensitive because Wallace, who is narrowly behind in the playoff race, has yet to earn a win this season and is precariously close to the playoff cutoff.

The outcome of NASCAR’s investigation is expected to be revealed Tuesday night, leaving the racing community and fans waiting for the decision. The incident, the two drivers and the potential penalties highlight the growing pressures and competitive tensions inherent in auto racing, especially as the season progresses toward its climax, making every point and every race crucial for contenders.

2024 Grant 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, Points: 43
• Mr. McDowell – Ford · #34, Status: Running, Points: 32
• R. Stenhouse Jr. – Chevrolet · #47, Status: Running, Points: 34
• T. Gilliland – Ford · #38, Status: Running, Points: 33
• W. Byron – Chevrolet · #24, Status: Running, Points: 29
• K. Busch – 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: Running, Points: 28
• N. Gragson – Ford · #10, Status: Running, Points: 28
• A. Cindric – Ford · #2, Status: Running, Points: 22
• J. Haley – Ford · #51, Status: Running, Points: 21
• Z. Smith – Chevrolet · #71, Status: Running, Points: 20
• B. Keselowski – Ford · #6, Status: Running, Points: 27
• A. Dillon – Chevrolet · #3, Status: Running, Points: 18
• C. Buescher – Ford · #17, Status: Running, Points: 17
• C. Elliott – Chevrolet · #9, Status: Running, Points: 16
• R. Chastain – Chevrolet · #1, Status: Running, Points: 15
• J. Logano – Ford · #22, Status: Running, Points: 14
• C. Hocevar – Chevrolet · #77, Status: Running, Points: 20
• H. Burton – Ford · #21, Status: Running, Points: 14
• K. Grala – Ford · #15, Status: Running, Points: 11
• C. LaJoie – Chevrolet · #7, Status: Running, Points: 10
• J. Bilicki – Ford · #66, Status: Running, Points: 0
• E. Jones – Toyota · #43, Status: Running, Points: 8
• D. Hamlin – Toyota · #11, Status: Running, Points: 8
• A hill – Chevrolet · #33, Status: Running, Points: 0
• C. Briscoe – Ford · #14, Status: Running, Points: 12
• Mr. Truex Jr. – Toyota · #19, Status: Running, Points: 10
• R. Preece – Ford · #41, Status: Running, Points: 3
• J. Nemechek – Toyota · #42, Status: Running, Points: 2
• J. Berry – Ford · #4, Status: Running, Points: 1
• C. Bell – Toyota · #20, Status: Abandoned, Points: 10
• AJ Allmendinger – Chevrolet · #13, Status: Retired, Points: 0
• K. Larson – Chevrolet · #5, Status: Retired, Points: 7
• S. van Gisbergen – Chevrolet · #16, Status: Retired, Points: 0