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USA Today via Reuters
Nov 7, 2021; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) wrecks after being spun into the wall during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Nov 7, 2021; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) wrecks after being spun into the wall during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Last year during the Cup Series finale, there was an incident between Bubba Wallace and Corey LaJoie. As it turned out, the Spire Motorsports driver tagged Wallace into a spin and crashed him out of the race. All that happened to LaJoie was the loss of a couple of positions. A few months later, and it seems that Wallace still hasn’t forgiven him fully.
Off season felt almost like getting junked by @CoreyLaJoie 5 laps into a race. ALREADY OVER…
We back NEXT WEEK!!!!#TheClash
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) January 30, 2022
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During that race, a fuming Wallace sarcastically applauded LaJoie for the stunt. In the buildup to the Clash this weekend, he made a cheeky reference to their Phoenix collision. The 23XI Racing driver tweeted, “Off season felt almost like getting junked by Corey LaJoie 5 laps into a race. Already over… We back next week!!!!”
It isn’t the first time Bubba Wallace has taken swipes at LaJoie, however, it is worth mentioning that they are good friends away from the track. It seems like the 23XI Racing driver can really hold a grudge. Hopefully, he does not try to retaliate, or else, it could start a cycle of never-ending revenge. At least the fans were kept entertained by the byplay.
Omg the "fued" continues 🤣🤣
— jodeeisamazing (@jodeeisamazing) January 30, 2022
You’re not going to let him live that down, are you
— Gabe Schmidt (@GeekDStudios) January 30, 2022
You’ll have a perfect opportunity for payback this Sunday.
— VinnyP (@Vincenzobags) January 31, 2022
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What to expect from Bubba Wallace and Corey LaJoie?
For the moment, Wallace and LaJoie will be excited to see the 2022 Cup Series season finally begin. It has been a long couple of months, with three pre-season tests sprinkled in the middle. The first race of the season is the Clash at the Los Angeles Coliseum, which is a brand new venue.
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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 21, 2021; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) and NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suarez (99) during the O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Some fans were hoping that Wallace gets a bit of payback for punting him out at Phoenix. However, conventional wisdom demands that he would be better off focusing on his own race. After all, the 23XI Racing team is aiming to improve on its results from last season.
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This time, Bubba Wallace has a teammate with him, as opposed to his solo act last year. 2004 Cup champion Kurt Busch is in the other garage, and together, the two could elevate the team.
READ MORE: Bubba Wallace Takes a Dig at Corey LaJoie as He Still Remembers Their Phoenix Incident
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