NASCAR Shocker: Bubba Wallace Suspended for One Race After Chaotic NOCO 400 Incident with Kyle Larson

Martinsville, VA – April 8, 2025 – NASCAR has dropped a bombshell on the racing world, suspending Bubba Wallace for one race following a dramatic and controversial incident on the 94th lap of the NOCO 400 at Martinsville Speedway. The clash, which involved reigning champion Kyle Larson, has reignited debates about on-track conduct, safety, and the fine line between aggression and recklessness in the high-stakes world of stock car racing.

The incident unfolded during Sunday’s NOCO 400, a race already charged with tension as the NASCAR Cup Series season heats up. Wallace, driving the No. 23 Toyota for 23XI Racing, and Larson, in the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, were battling fiercely in the top 10 when disaster struck. Larson attempted a bold move on the inside, sliding up the track and making contact with Wallace’s car, forcing the No. 23 into the outside wall. In retaliation, Wallace veered down the track and hooked Larson’s right-rear quarter panel, sending both cars spinning. The wreck also collected playoff contender Christopher Bell, whose No. 20 Toyota suffered significant damage, ending his race prematurely and dealing a blow to his championship hopes.

NASCAR officials reviewed the incident and deemed Wallace’s actions a deliberate act of retaliation, violating Sections 4.3.A and 4.4.C & E of the NASCAR Member Code of Conduct. The rulebook specifically lists “intentionally wrecking or spinning another vehicle” and “actions that pose a dangerous risk to the safety of competitors” as grounds for suspension. Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s Chief Operating Officer, addressed the decision on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, stating, “What we saw on the 94th lap was a dangerous act that we believe was intentional. It put other competitors at risk, and we have to draw a line.” Wallace will miss the upcoming race at Texas Motor Speedway, with 23XI Racing announcing that John Hunter Nemechek will replace him in the No. 23 car.

The suspension marks a repeat of history for Wallace, who faced a similar one-race ban in 2022 after intentionally wrecking Larson at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. That incident also involved a post-crash confrontation where Wallace shoved Larson multiple times, though NASCAR clarified that the 2022 suspension was solely for the on-track retaliation. This time, no physical altercation followed the wreck, but the severity of the incident—particularly its impact on Bell, who is in the thick of the playoff battle—prompted NASCAR to act swiftly.

Wallace issued a statement on social media late Monday, expressing regret for his actions. “I let my emotions get the best of me, and I’m sorry for how I handled the situation with Kyle and the No. 5 team,” he wrote. “My behavior doesn’t reflect the values of 23XI Racing or our partners. I take full responsibility and will learn from this.” The team echoed Wallace’s sentiment, stating, “We support NASCAR’s decision and understand the need to take a stand on such incidents. Bubba’s actions were not in line with our values, but we believe this is an opportunity for him to grow as a competitor.”

Larson, for his part, acknowledged the intensity of the moment but stopped short of condemning Wallace. “I made an aggressive move, and I knew he’d be upset,” Larson said after the race. “I get why he reacted, but it’s a fine line. With everything we’ve been through with safety concerns in this sport, we’ve got to be careful.” Larson’s comments reflect ongoing concerns about the Next Gen car’s safety, a topic that has dominated NASCAR discussions since 2022 when drivers like Alex Bowman and Kurt Busch suffered concussions in similar high-speed incidents.

The incident has also drawn sharp criticism from fans and drivers alike. Joey Logano, speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, called Wallace’s move “unacceptable,” warning, “Hooking someone like that at Martinsville can be catastrophic. We’re lucky it wasn’t worse.” Posts on X reflected a divided fanbase, with some calling for a harsher penalty, citing Wallace’s history, while others argued that Larson’s initial contact provoked the retaliation. One user wrote, “Wallace needs to be suspended for the season—this isn’t his first time!” while another countered, “Larson started it by squeezing him into the wall. NASCAR needs to look at both sides.”

This isn’t the first time Wallace and Larson have clashed. Their 2022 incident at Las Vegas set a precedent for NASCAR’s disciplinary approach, and more recently, at the 2024 Toyota Owners 400 in Richmond, Wallace spun Larson out with two laps to go, though no suspension followed. Some fans on X have pointed to a pattern, with one post from April 6, 2025, alleging Wallace intentionally wrecked Larson to help his Toyota teammates, a claim NASCAR has not addressed.

The suspension raises questions about consistency in NASCAR’s disciplinary actions. In 2022, William Byron spun Denny Hamlin under caution at Texas but received only a fine and points deduction, later reduced on appeal. Critics argue that Wallace’s repeat offense warrants a stronger penalty, while others see NASCAR’s decision as a necessary step to deter dangerous retaliation, especially in the playoff season.

As Wallace sits out the next race, the focus shifts to how he’ll rebound from this setback. The 31-year-old driver has shown growth in recent years, securing multiple wins and becoming a prominent voice in NASCAR. However, incidents like this threaten to overshadow his progress. For Larson, who finished 35th after the wreck, the incident is a bump in the road as he continues to chase another championship. Meanwhile, Bell, now last in the playoff standings, faces an uphill battle to make the Championship 4. The NOCO 400 incident has not only altered the playoff landscape but also reignited a broader conversation about safety, accountability, and the fiery emotions that define NASCAR racing.