What if Bubba Wallace had won Sunday’s race at Talladega? Something he and his team cannot stop wondering about. Really close to clinching the checkered flag, a last-lap wreck stole away Wallace’s chances to recreate his last year’s winning feat at the iconic Talladega Speedway. However, what bothers Wallace and his team the most now, is his chances of making it to the playoffs.
To qualify for the postseason playoffs, a driver has to register at least one win to make the cutoff. And unfortunately, a last-lap wreck snatched this away from the #23 team on Sunday. Reflecting on the events during the race, Wallace’s spotter Brett Griffin posted on Twitter, “Bubba wins and he’s in the playoff. That’s what the “win and you’re in” creates.”
However, as soon as Griffin shared the post online, a swarm of NASCAR fans started criticizing the #23 driver in the comments.
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What happened with Bubba Wallace at Talladega?
During the last laps of the race, Bubba Wallace and Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney were leading the pack. However, as soon as the two of them moved up ahead of the #8 driver Kyle Busch, things between the two started heating up.
Blaney, who was driving right behind Wallace, began closing up on him in a bid to take over the #23. However, Wallace tried to block Blaney’s #12 on multiple occasions – something that cost him his win.
To be fair, Wallace could have comfortably cruised toward a win during the last lap. But his constant bid to block Blaney’s progress frustrated the Team Penske driver who then retaliated and spun the #23 out across the track. Although none of them won the race, Ryan Blaney finished second, just behind winner Kyle Busch, while Bubba Wallace ended in the 28th position as he could not finish the race after his contact with Blaney.
NASCAR fans express their disappointment under Brett Griffin’s post
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Upset by Bubba Wallace’s decision to block Ryan Blaney aggressively during the final lap, several NASCAR fans shared their opinions on Twitter. While some pointed out ways through which Wallace could have avoided getting wrecked, others, unfortunately, questioned the 23XI driver’s racing caliber and talent.
Bubba gonna go throw himself a nice Pitty Party after this
— Austin (@Austin20997) April 23, 2023
Sooner or later everyone will agree,,,,, Bubba just ain’t the caliber driver it takes at this level. If he were a white southern boy, middle class, grass roots racer, he would not have sponsors or a ride in a performance driven sport???? He is a good racer, but not elite!
— scotty chatham (@scottychatham) April 23, 2023
He could have committed to a line and had just as good a chance of winning. Too many aggressive blocks gets you wrecked.
— Ryan Byrum (@ryan_byrum92) April 23, 2023
No matter what blaney did Bubba was gonna try to block it. Bubba wrecked himself. Anything different that Bubba could have done when win at all cost is on the table? No.
— David Michael (@david1046) April 23, 2023
WATCH THIS STORY: Days After Shoving His Boss, Bubba Wallace Leaves Denny Hamlin & NASCAR Fandom in Splits With His Riotous Golfing Antics
Furthermore, a few fans expressed disappointment with the consequences Wallace’s actions had on other drivers. As soon as Wallace lost control of his car, he made contact with drivers like Brad Keselowski and AJ Allmendinger.
@BubbaWallace ran out of talent yet again and wrecked the whole field again
— Jake (@jakeatrader) April 23, 2023
He wrecked again 😆
— King Griffin (@TheKingGriffin5) April 23, 2023
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I wanna root for him, but frankly he’s a poor sport. I understand being competive but he acts like he’s the only one that didn’t win. Man up Bro!
— Beverly Hobbs (@18855hickory) April 24, 2023
He's a whiner! Win and your in doesn't really mean that anymore! Depends on how many different drivers win and points!
— Pam Erskine (@PamErskine2) April 24, 2023
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