NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race Ignites Controversy: Bubba Wallace’s Spotter Slams Ruling

The NASCAR Cup Series race at the Chicago Street Course on July 6, 2025, was a high-octane spectacle that left fans buzzing and tempers flaring. Amid the chaos of the Grant Park 165, a controversial ruling—or lack thereof—has sparked heated debate across the racing world. Bubba Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft, didn’t hold back, delivering a raw critique of NASCAR’s handling of a critical moment that could have changed the race’s outcome. Here’s what went down and why it’s got everyone talking.

The Chicago Street Course, a 2.2-mile, 12-turn urban beast, is notorious for its tight corners and limited visibility. On Lap 74, Cody Ware’s No. 51 car slammed into a tire barrier at Turn 6, traveling at a staggering 93 miles per hour. The impact was severe, and Ware’s immediate radio calls for help underscored the urgency of the situation. Yet, NASCAR waited nearly 35 seconds before throwing the caution flag, a delay that allowed Shane van Gisbergen to cross the finish line and claim his second consecutive Chicago victory. For many, including Kraft, this hesitation was unacceptable.

Speaking on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Kraft minced no words. He argued that the severity of Ware’s crash, coupled with the driver’s distress, demanded an immediate yellow flag. The spotter’s frustration echoed a sentiment shared by fans and insiders alike: safety should never take a backseat to race momentum. Kraft’s blunt dismissal of NASCAR’s reasoning—whether it was poor visibility or reluctance to disrupt the race on wet tires—resonated deeply, fueling discussions about the sport’s officiating standards.

The controversy didn’t end with Ware’s crash. The race saw another fiery subplot unfold between Bubba Wallace and Alex Bowman, reigniting their long-standing rivalry. Battling for seventh place in the final laps, the two drivers traded paint in a series of aggressive maneuvers. Wallace, on older tires, struggled to hold off Bowman’s fresher set, leading to multiple collisions. The decisive moment came on Lap 70 when Bowman’s contact spun Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota, leaving him with a broken toe link and a disappointing 28th-place finish. Bowman, unscathed, crossed the line in eighth, advancing in NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge.

Wallace’s spotter didn’t spare his own driver from criticism. Kraft pointed out that Wallace’s aggressive tactics against Bowman were ill-advised, given the tire disadvantage. This candid assessment added another layer to the drama, highlighting the high stakes of the tournament, where a $1 million prize loomed large. Fans on social media lit up, with some praising Wallace’s grit and others questioning his decision-making. The clash, combined with NASCAR’s controversial caution delay, made the Chicago race a perfect storm of action and debate.

Denny Hamlin, a veteran driver and Wallace’s team co-owner, also weighed in. On his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin called out NASCAR’s claim that they didn’t see the severity of Ware’s hit, insisting that officiating must be more proactive. His comments amplified the growing chorus of voices demanding accountability. The Chicago Street Course’s unique challenges, from blind spots to limited camera angles, were no excuse for what many saw as a critical oversight.

As the dust settles, the Chicago Street Race has left an indelible mark on the 2025 NASCAR season. Shane van Gisbergen’s repeat victory was overshadowed by questions about safety protocols and officiating decisions. For Bubba Wallace, the race was a bitter pill, marked by a fierce battle and a costly finish. Freddie Kraft’s unfiltered remarks have struck a chord, rallying fans who want NASCAR to prioritize driver safety over spectacle.

What’s next? NASCAR has promised to investigate the Wallace-Bowman incident, and insiders hint at a closer look at the caution delay. With the series heading to Sonoma next, the pressure is on for officials to address these concerns. One thing’s certain: the Chicago Street Race has given fans plenty to talk about, from heart-pounding rivalries to calls for change. Stay tuned—this story is far from over.