Confrontations and arguments between drivers are common in a contact sport such as NASCAR. However, when it’s the 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace, we are sure to expect some drama from the aftermath. While NASCAR had decided to stop the race on Monday after the rain briefly delayed the race, Wallace had ended up in a one-on-one altercation with Tony Stewart’s team’s driver.
However, at that moment, the reason for Wallace being shoved by the other driver was unknown. But later on, after the completion of the race, both drivers had the chance to speak with the media. This is when the Stewart Haas Racing driver decided to reveal what Wallace had actually done in order to get shoved on the pit road.
Tony Stewart’s Driver Reveals the Reason Behind His Altercation With Bubba Wallace
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Following the altercation, Aric Almirola had been asked for a comment, but he had respectfully denied it. Thankfully, after the conclusion of the race, the Stewart Haas Racing driver revealed the true reason he shoved Wallace during the rain delay.
Almirola told the press, “I felt like he ran me all over the race track, and when he got by me, he shot me the bird. So I just went to ask him, why you shot me the bird? I felt like I gave him a lot of room, gave him a lot of respect.”
Adding, “He started mouthing off, saying a lot of bad things, and cussing at me after he shot me the bird… He’s not gonna cuss at me and shoot me the bird.”
Wallace flipping someone off wouldn’t be something fairly new. He has done that often. Moreover, he even did such a thing whilst live on national television as well.
.@Aric_Almirola responds to the Bubba Wallace incident #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/3elCAzhlDQ
— Jared Haas (@RealJaredHaas) May 30, 2023
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Almirola was surely not having it when Wallace decided to give the man a bird. As seen over grainy footage, the pair seem to have a conversation up close, before Almirola pushes the 23XI Racing driver, sending Wallace stumbling across.
NASCAR enthusiasts voiced their opinions on the incident. One fan humorously remarked, “Bubba was giving his IQ number in sign language.”
Praise also came for Almirola’s response, with another fan commenting, “Aric ‘Get off my lawn’ Amirola.”
Bubbles couldn’t handle a real man.
Just wants to pick on little Larson pic.twitter.com/0ONZE2zuDg— David (@_TRUTH______1) May 30, 2023
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Recollections of Wallace’s previous actions surfaced as well. “Didn’t Bubba fly the bird last week as well during an interview?” a third fan queried, referring to a past incident.
Another supporter chimed in, implying a difference in Wallace’s reaction depending on the opponent. “Bubba found out that ain’t Larson. Probably why Bubba didn’t do anything but run his mouth.”
Someone also added to the criticism, stating, “Wallace didn’t learn his lesson from last week. Still flipping people off. One of the most arrogant people I’ve ever seen.”
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Given Almirola’s assertions of Wallace’s unsportsmanlike behavior, including an offensive hand gesture, where do you believe this rivalry stands? Is this indicative of a brewing feud, potentially leading to more on-track clashes in the future? Or could it simply be a standalone incident, a fleeting moment of high tempers? We’re interested to hear your perspectives. Please share your insights in the comments section below.