Bubba Wallace gives nonchalant verdict on race-manipulation accusations over “unfortunate” Darlington crash with Kyle Larson

23XI Racing star driver Bubba Wallace has shared his thoughts on controversial crash involving Kyle Larson at Darlington Raceway.

Bubba Wallace gives nonchalant verdict on race-manipulation accusations over “unfortunate” Darlington crash with Kyle Larson

Kyle Larson and Bubba Wallace (Via IMAGO)

Last Sunday’s throwback weekend race at Darlington was controversial owing to the last race crash involving Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson that changed the race results. Ryan Blaney was leading the race when a sudden check up from the Hendrick Motorsports racer resulted a contact with the 23XI Racing Toyota, and a spin that produced a yellow flag.

Kyle Larson was trying get away from Tyler Reddick, who hit the wall, but Bubba Wallace who was behind the No:5 Chevy didn’t see the incident and didn’t have time to react. Some fans alleged race manipulation from both drivers, as their teammates were in the fight for the win. Ahead of this weekend’s race at Bristol, Wallace has addressed the situation.

YouTube video

Yeah, that was, it was unforutnate to be in that scenario. I seen the 45, slow. Then as I turned back down the hill, I couldn’t see him anymore. I just figured he was going to stay slow down the backstretch and finish second or whatever.

Bubba Wallace told NBC Sports.

The No:23 Camry driver highlighted how Kyle Larson might have panicked seeing the No:45 Camry hitting the wall and caused the incident. Since he was too close to Larson, there wasn’t enough time for him to react. He then pointed out that it was just an unfortunate incident that happens often and nothing more.

Then Larson stops. So, I was like, ‘Oh did something else happen that I didn’t see within that half a second?’ It didn’t. He just, I don’t know, panicked or just giving courtesy room, but I was so close, I couldn’t react fast enough. So, it was unfortunate for all parties involved. It is what it is.

Bubba Wallace added.

Kyle Larson also broke silence on the situation

The 2021 Cup champion, who was also involved in the situation, shared his verdict. He pointed out that when he saw the No:45 car losing the balance and getting ready to hit the wall he checked up, hoping Wallace wasn’t as close behind him.

Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson (Via IMAGO)

Yeah, from my perspective, the 12 and 45 got racing in (Turn) 1. And the 45, I saw him get out of the groove and he was getting ready to hit the wall and I’m so many laps down. I was hopeful that Bubba was still on my right side because I started checking up early.

Kyle Larson said.

Further talking about the point, Larson admitted that he screwed up by attempting move out of the way of the potential wreck and added that he hates to see how it affected the race finish. He has learned what not to do if he ever gets in such a situation.

And yeah, the contact was there. Honestly, me just trying to be so out of the way there that I screwed up. I hate to affect the finish. It kind of is what it is at this point and just try to learn from it if I’m ever in that same position.

Kyle Larson added.

The comments from the two drivers shows the understand the situation was unfortunate and has already moved on from it as they have this weekends’ race at Bristol to take care of. It would be interesting to see how everything is going to playout if they found themselves in such a situation.