In a scene as fiery as the rubber on Darlington Raceway, NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace found himself in hot water during the NASCAR Playoffs after tangling with Joey Logano and spinning out. The pressure was on, and Wallace—racing for the underperforming 23XI Racing team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and JGR driver Denny Hamlin—had something to prove. But did his high-risk gamble push him past the point of no return?

Wallace, racing for Michael Jordan, misjudged a crucial turn against rival Joey Logano. Fighting for the 11th spot in Stage 1, Wallace’s swift maneuver caused a dramatic spinout, immediately becoming the talk of the racing town. When races become tales of tension, can Wallace rewrite his narrative?

The Radio Exchange that Caught Everyone’s Ear

The drama unfolded at the tail end of Stage 1, as Wallace and Joey Logano dueled for P11. With Wallace’s No. 23 hitting Logano’s No. 22, the cars swerved around Turn 4—Wallace eventually losing control and going for a spin. Though no significant damage was done to his car, Wallace’s radioed response to his team set the tone for what was ahead.

Despite the hiccup, Bubba Wallace wasn’t down for long. Jumping back into the game, he radioed his crew with a candid call to refocus, exclaiming, “All right, time to get my f***ing head out of my ass.” 

Earlier, Wallace seemed poised for an intense race day. But a pit road blunder by his crew put him on the back foot, showcasing the synchronized dance of driver and crew—both must be in step for a proper shot at the title. Championship winners, after all, are bred for consistency. Wallace knows this, as do fellow racers like Christopher Bell, who had their share of woes.

Watch This Story: Michael Jordan’s Prodigy Bubba Wallace Heaves His Frustration Keeping the Playoff Hopes Burning

As the playoffs race on, Wallace’s resolve seems unwavering. But some fans were clearly not happy.

Fans chime in with fiery takes on the Michael Jordan star driver

Wallace’s unfortunate spin has churned a whirlwind of reactions, most notably among his fanbase, with criticisms ranging from questions about his readiness for the high-stakes playoffs to queries about whether 23XI Racing of Michael Jordan is all sizzle and no steak.

“”Alright, it’s time to get my head out of my f***ing ass.” Bubba Wallace,” a fan quoted Bubba. 

“Where did he think he was going?” one fan asked sarcastically.

Another added, “McDonald’s needs a new driver next season.”

“I wonder who he will blame this on????” a third one said. 

“Bubba suckkkssss,” one NASCAR fan wrote.

Someone quipped in, “Cool, I hope he out to cry like a bitch”

“No talent,” another declared. 

“No matter how much money the cup, Toyota, and NBC spend, Bubba can’t drive.” one fan commented.

“He’s awful.”

“Talks a bunch pre-race for mediocrity style of driving . @kylepetty got into his head. First round elimination.”

“Bubba is a clown”

“Way to go Bubbles. 🤡🤡🤡🤡”

Adding salt to Wallace’s proverbial wound was a mistake on pit road, where a sluggish pit crew cost him precious seconds and spots. Racing is a team sport where a mere hiccup can set you back a league. Just ask Christopher Bell, another driver who had issues today. Can Wallace overcome the odds and make it back to the top?

READ MORE: Kyle Petty Ruthlessly Bashes Bubba Wallace’s “Unacceptable” Declaration to the Media

While some fans expressed their frustrations, labeling the #23 owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, it’s worth noting that other playoff contenders like Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Michael McDowell, and Ross Chastain also faced setbacks, falling a lap behind in Stage 1. With plenty of time to catch up, Wallace might silence his critics.