NASCAR is an incredibly thrilling sport. Other than its high-speed racing aspect, there are a number of other factors that add to the attraction. One of those factors is on-track drama. Ask a fan what they remember most vividly about 2022, and they are most likely to mention Bubba Wallace at Las Vegas, if not Ross Chastain’s iconic move at Martinsville.
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In no way was 2022 a straightforward season. It had a number of dramatic, controversial, and memorable incidents. Each driver, and their fanbase, will have different things to remember the season by. But all fans would mostly agree that the incident between Kyle Larson and Bubba Wallace had them on the edge of their seats.
Bubba Wallace stoops low and punches high
To clarify, there’s no justification for what happened. Sports don’t have room for incidents like that, and the quicker they disappear, the better. But at the same time, like one can’t take their eyes off a gory accident, the Las Vegas fisticuff saga was something that added extra spice to the season.
For those who might have missed out on what the incident was: Larson pushed Bubba into the barriers as he tried to get ahead. There had been some contact then, but nothing major.
What followed was unprecedented. It started with Bubba making a dart for Larson’s car, at least that’s what it looked like. After successfully wrecking the Hendrick driver, Bubba himself spun out of the race. He chose to take things one step further.
The 23XI Racing driver got out of the car and headed toward Larson. Bubba made a few swings at the driver before being stopped by officials.
Understandably, he copped a lot of flak for it. While NASCAR suspended him for one race, 23XI also had some sort of punishment meted out for the behavior.
Fans think Bubba got off easy
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23XI Racing probably thought fans would’ve forgotten about it, and asked fans for their favorite moment of the driver.
Other than the Kansas win, what was your favorite @bubbawallace moment of the 2022 season?@netflix docuseries
First pole at Michigan @MISpeedway@DAYTONA 500 P2@Mcdonalds Streetwear launch pic.twitter.com/zO0oeDuLzZ— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) December 27, 2022
As it turns out, fans are still furious about the incident –
That time he sat at home for trying to kill Larson probably. https://t.co/RPQrVIGf9C
— Soda🥤 (@Soda_hunter) December 28, 2022
Las Vegas losing his mind! https://t.co/gLIigbBZhr
— Kerry Brumbaugh (@LeonMusst) December 28, 2022
Probably his sportsmanship and professionalism at Las Vegas during the Playoffs🤓 https://t.co/2HGzedKebV
— NASCAR Schemes Head 2 Head (@paintschemepoll) December 27, 2022
When he was suspended
— Todd Setters (@todd_setters) December 28, 2022
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Suspension… But not nearly long enough.
— Greg K (@mikaylasdad2004) December 27, 2022
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Watch This Story: “Lonely Dark Roads…”: After Simone Biles and Bubba Wallace Struggles, NASCAR Finally Provides Drivers With Much Needed Help
NASCAR’s decision for a one-race suspension had raised quite a few eyebrows then too. Fans seem to echo that still. Do you agree?