Bubba Wallace declares Helio Castroneves left Daytona Speedweek “feeling like a complete CLOWN”

23XI Racing star driver Bubba Wallace has shared his feeling about IndyCar legend Helio Castroneves’ Daytona 500 debut.

Bubba Wallace declares Helio Castroneves left Daytona Speedweek “feeling like a complete CLOWN”

Bubba Wallace and Helio Castroneves (Via IMAGO)

One of the most controversial factors coming into the 2025 Daytona 500 was the new Open Exemption Provisional. Four times Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves became the first driver to use OEP, on his debut with Trackhouse Racing. But even a guaranteed starting spot couldn’t save the veteran racer from disappointment.

Helio Castroneves failed in the qualifying, wrecked in Duel 1, had a post-race wreck on his ARCA debut and then finished P39 in the race owing to an early wreck. 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace, on his appearance in the Door Bumper Clear podcast, assessed the veteran’s racing and joked that the IndyCar legend would have left feeling like a clown.

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I sat there and thought about it when I came on the radio and homeboy [Castroneves] was taking his time into three versus the Duel, he was hauling a*s and ate sh*t. And I sat there and I thought about it more, and I felt bad for him. I didn’t get a chance to talk to him, I’m sure he’s a great guy, but I’m pretty sure he probably left that whole weekend feeling like a complete clown.

Bubba Wallace said via DBC.

Freddie Kraft, Wallace’s spotter and the co-host of DBC, also gave his verdict about the veteran, trying to softening the blow a little bit. He pointed out that the OEP rule had the opposite effect, as it was designed to embrace a world class talent but ended up embarrassing him. But that doesn’t hurt the legacy of Castroneves, its just poor circumstances.

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It was the total opposite of what it was designed to do. Instead of embracing this world-class driver and giving him a spot, just whether or not you agree with it, everybody just was like, ‘This guy sucks.’ He’s still Helio Castroneves, he does not su*k!

Freddie Kraft said.

Bubba Wallace wants to Bowman Gray to host the All-Star race

In the same podcast, Wallace talked about the unofficial season opener, The Clash at Bowman Gray and pointed out that he would love to have the All-Star race there. He does highlight one issue NASCAR is set to face there, regarding over aggressive racing from its drivers and how it will spill over to the rest of the season.

Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney
Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney (Via IMAGO)

I wouldn’t mind that being the All-Star Race… When we go to Bowman Gray, and we know there’s nothing on the line. If you run into me I’m going to be pissed at you the whole f***ing season… It’s a million dollars on the line and I got wrecked for it, okay sure. No, it’s like, you throw everything at them so you’re going to race him like an asshole the next ten weeks.

Bubba Wallace said.

The comments from Bubba Wallace shows the issues with NASCAR racing in the Next-Gen era, many in the community is concerned about. The aggressive style and its lasting impact throughout the season, it’s something the sanctioning body has to concentrate on.