Dramatic on-track incidents are part of what makes NASCAR racing so compelling. However, when contact between competitors leads to crashes and significant points implications, the sport’s governing body often steps in for a closer look. That’s precisely what happened following a controversial late-race exchange involving Bubba wallace and Alex Bowman during the recent Chicago Street Race. NASCAR officials have confirmed they are reviewing the contact to determine if any disciplinary action is warranted, adding another layer of intrigue to an already heated season for both drivers.
The collision, which sent Wallace spinning and severely impacted his finishing position, has sparked debate among fans, analysts, and even the drivers themselves. It highlights the high stakes involved as drivers battle for position, especially during the crucial final laps and within the context of championship and playoff aspirations.
Late-Race Drama Unfolds on Chicago Streets
The incident occurred in the closing moments of the NASCAR Cup Series event on the challenging Chicago street circuit. Bubba Wallace, driving the No. 23 Toyota for 23XI Racing, and Alex Bowman, piloting the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, were locked in a fierce battle for position within the top 10, specifically vying for seventh place. The intensity of street course racing often leads to physical contact, and this exchange was no exception, featuring significant “beating and banging” between the two cars.
With just a handful of laps remaining, the battle escalated. On Lap 70, as they navigated the turns, contact was made. The result was wallace’s No. 23 car spinning violently, forcing him out of contention. Bowman continued on to finish the race in eighth place, securing a victory in his round of the NASCAR In-Season Tournament competition against Wallace. Wallace, however, limped to a significantly worse 28th-place finish due to the incident.
Differing Perspectives: Was It Intentional?
Immediately after the race, the perspectives on the incident varied considerably. Initially, Alex Bowman seemed frustrated, reportedly feeling that a previous “beef” between the two drivers had been reignited despite his belief it was settled. He questioned Wallace’s aggressive tactics, especially given his own advantage on fresher tires late in the race.
However, a post-race conversation between the two near the care center provided some clarity and significantly shifted Bowman’s public stance. Wallace explained his viewpoint, stating he believed Bowman was attempting a crossover move and that he thought he was “clear outside” when the contact occurred. Bowman later acknowledged this critical misunderstanding.
Bowman’s own perspective, as he described it, was that he was “just outside of him” and felt he was being “pinballed between the wall and Bubba.” He stated that Wallace “moved up” into him while he was already pinned against the fence. Bowman explicitly denied intentionally “right-rearing” Wallace to spin him. Reflecting on the conversation, Bowman expressed regret that Wallace crashed but maintained his view that Wallace’s movement while Bowman was alongside and against the wall contributed significantly to the collision. He even stated, “I hate to say he did it to himself, but he did it to himself,” based on Wallace’s explanation of believing he was clear. Bowman also noted that spotters might have limited visibility in that specific area of the track, potentially contributing to Wallace’s misjudgment.
NASCAR Takes a Closer Look
Given the nature of the contact and its significant impact on both drivers’ races – especially Wallace’s – NASCAR’s governing body has confirmed that it is formally reviewing the incident. According to insider Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, reporting on “The Teardown” podcast, NASCAR officials indicated they would be taking a “closer look” at the interaction between Bowman and Wallace.
The review process involves analyzing multiple camera angles and data to determine the precise sequence of events and whether any driver’s actions crossed the line from aggressive racing into a penalty-worthy offense. Gluck himself noted the complexity of judging the incident, mentioning that different replays initially made it look like Bowman might have intentionally “dumped” Wallace by right-rearing him, while other views suggested Wallace might have attempted to clear himself across Bowman’s path without sufficient space. The ultimate outcome of NASCAR’s review – whether it results in a penalty for Bowman, Wallace, or is simply deemed a hard “racing incident” with no fault assigned – remains pending.
Significant Blow to Wallace’s Playoff Hopes
The 28th-place finish resulting from the incident with Bowman was particularly damaging for Bubba Wallace’s season and his aspirations to make the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Wallace is currently in a precarious spot in the points standings, sitting precariously close to the playoff cut line. His most likely path to qualifying for the postseason is by accumulating enough points, as securing a win can be unpredictable.
NASCAR analyst Jordan Bianchi, also of The Athletic, offered critical commentary on Wallace’s decision to engage Bowman so intensely in the closing laps, describing it as “preposterous” or “reckless” given his points situation. Bianchi argued that this aggressive battle cost Wallace valuable championship points he desperately needed on a day where he had shown promising speed, even reportedly being fastest in practice. Wallace had also worked hard to recover from earlier issues in the race, including contact with Kyle Larson and an earlier spin. Despite these setbacks, he was positioned for a strong points finish before the clash with Bowman.
Bianchi stressed the importance for Wallace, in his “precarious spot” in the standings, to control his impulses and prioritize points finishes over potentially costly aggressive maneuvers, especially with other drivers outside the current playoff cut line likely to win races. With just seven regular season races remaining, the incident at Chicago highlights the pressure on Wallace to perform well at upcoming tracks, starting with Sonoma, to improve his points position and secure a playoff berth.
Team Owner Weighs In
Denny Hamlin, a co-owner of 23XI Racing and Wallace’s team, also addressed the incident during his Actions Detrimental podcast. Hamlin was asked if he felt the need to step in and discuss the collision with Wallace.
Hamlin stated that he did not believe such a conversation was necessary. He explained his reasoning by saying, “I think Bubba understands it,” implying that Wallace recognized his own role in what transpired on track. Hamlin pointed to Wallace’s immediate reaction and post-race comments as evidence that he took responsibility, specifically noting that Wallace seemed to acknowledge that “he wasn’t clear when he tried to clear himself.” Based on this self-awareness and Wallace’s post-race handling of the situation, Hamlin felt Wallace “handled it fine.”
A Rivalry Rekindled?
The Chicago incident wasn’t the first time Bubba Wallace and Alex Bowman have found themselves involved in on-track contact or controversy. There is a history of “racing beef” between the two drivers. While Bowman reportedly believed this history had been settled before the Chicago event, the late-race collision seemingly reignited the tension, despite their outwardly cordial post-race conversation.
Regardless of NASCAR’s decision regarding potential penalties, the dramatic finish in Chicago ensures that any future on-track battles between the No. 23 and No. 48 cars will be closely watched. The outcome of the review and the lingering impact on Wallace’s season trajectory will add further layers to this evolving storyline as the NASCAR Cup Series season progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened between Bubba Wallace and Alex Bowman at the Chicago race?
During the final laps of the Chicago Street Race, Bubba Wallace and Alex Bowman were battling intensely for position inside the top 10. Contact occurred on Lap 70, resulting in Wallace’s car spinning out. Bowman finished eighth, while Wallace finished 28th, significantly impacting Wallace’s race result and points situation.
Where did the Wallace and Bowman incident take place?
The collision between Bubba Wallace and Alex Bowman happened on the challenging Chicago Street Race circuit during the closing laps, specifically around Turn 2. It was a late-race battle that ended in contact and a spin for Wallace.
How does the Chicago incident affect Bubba Wallace’s playoff chances?
The 28th-place finish cost Bubba Wallace valuable championship points. He is currently near the playoff cut line and relies on points to qualify. Analysts believe his aggressive maneuver against Bowman was costly given his precarious standing, making strong finishes in upcoming races crucial for him to secure a spot in the playoffs.
Conclusion
The late-race clash between Bubba Wallace and Alex Bowman at the Chicago Street Race created significant drama and has prompted an official review by NASCAR. While driver perspectives on the cause of the incident differ, the contact led to a detrimental outcome for Wallace’s race and his critical playoff points situation. NASCAR’s decision on whether the contact was a penalty or a “racing incident” is pending. This event has rekindled a past rivalry and ensures that future encounters between Wallace and Bowman will be highlights to watch as the NASCAR Cup Series season heads towards the playoffs.
References
- <a href="https://www.yardbarker.com/nascar/articles/insiderrevealsnascarwillbetakingcloserlookatalexbowmanbubbawallacechicagoincident/s11723642423288″>www.yardbarker.com
- sports.yahoo.com
- www.on3.com
- www.the-express.com
- www.profootballnetwork.com
