In a dramatic turn of events shaking up the NASCAR garage, Kyle Busch’s recent behind-the-scenes plea to team owner Denny Hamlin has triggered growing concerns about Bubba Wallace’s increasingly erratic behavior on the track. Once seen as one of the sport’s most promising stars, Wallace now finds himself under a magnifying glass after a string of questionable moves and emotional outbursts that have left even his teammates raising eyebrows.

The Breaking Point

According to insiders close to the situation, Kyle Busch—never one to mince words—approached Hamlin privately after the latest race weekend, voicing frustration over Wallace’s reckless driving and lack of team discipline. Sources claim Busch was “visibly agitated” following multiple close calls on track, one of which involved Wallace diving into an aggressive line that nearly ended in disaster for both drivers.

“This isn’t just about one race,” an anonymous team insider told racing journalists. “It’s been building for weeks. Kyle’s been trying to stay calm, but when it starts costing positions—and potentially wrecks—it becomes a team-wide problem.”

Hamlin Speaks Out

Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and a current Cup Series driver himself, addressed the issue delicately but firmly during a post-race media scrum. While stopping short of criticizing Wallace directly, Hamlin didn’t shy away from the growing tension.

“We’ve got to keep our heads cool and race smart,” Hamlin said. “This sport is emotional, but there’s a line. And when you’re in a team environment, what one driver does affects everyone.”

Hamlin’s tone, unusually stern, has raised speculation that even he is losing patience with Wallace’s hot-headed on-track antics—ranging from blocking maneuvers and brake-checking incidents to profanity-laced radio messages that have gone viral.

Bubba Wallace: Talent or Liability?

Bubba Wallace has long been one of NASCAR’s most polarizing figures. While his talent behind the wheel is undeniable—proven by several strong finishes and a Cup Series win—his emotional volatility has led some to question his long-term viability as a championship contender.

Wallace himself has admitted to struggling with the mental toll of racing, telling reporters earlier this season: “I get in my head too much. I’m my own worst enemy sometimes.” That vulnerability has earned him empathy from many fans—but with each on-track flare-up, support seems to dwindle.

Critics argue that Wallace is now flirting with becoming a liability to 23XI Racing, a team with major ambitions and even bigger sponsors. “You can’t build a championship team around someone who keeps losing their cool,” one veteran crew chief stated bluntly.

Kyle Busch’s Role

Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion known for both his fiery personality and elite driving skill, has emerged as an unlikely voice of reason. Since joining Richard Childress Racing, he’s taken on more of a mentor-like role in the garage. His warning to Hamlin was reportedly not just about protecting his own position but about safeguarding the overall integrity of the racing product.

“Kyle’s not trying to throw Bubba under the bus,” one garage insider clarified. “He just wants the racing to be clean, competitive, and team-focused. And right now, that’s not always what he’s seeing.”

What’s Next for Wallace and 23XI?

As the playoffs approach, all eyes are now on Wallace and how he’ll respond to the growing criticism. Can he channel the scrutiny into motivation and deliver consistent results, or will the pressure lead to another meltdown?

Insiders suggest that Hamlin may soon sit down for a one-on-one conversation with Wallace to address the issue head-on. If behavior doesn’t improve, some speculate that internal disciplinary measures—or even a contract reevaluation—could be on the table.

For now, Wallace remains behind the wheel, but the message is loud and clear: time is running out to prove that he’s a team asset, not a ticking time bomb.