Bubba Wallace taunts Kyle Larson by referencing his 2020 racial slur suspension

Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson engaged in a physical brawl after the Las Vegas race in 2022.

Bubba Wallace taunts Kyle Larson by referencing his 2020 racial slur suspension

Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson (Via IMAGO)

Friendly banter between drivers is as common as the roar of engines on the track in NASCAR. Recently, a lighthearted exchange unfolded on X (Formerly, Twitter) between Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson and 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace, two prominent figures in NASCAR with a shared history.

Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, faced a suspension from NASCAR in 2020 due to his use of a racial slur during an iRacing event. Larson, intending to convey a private message, inadvertently transmitted the offensive term to all race participants and viewers through public live streams. 

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Consequently, NASCAR suspended him indefinitely, and his partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing, along with support from sponsors and the team’s manufacturer, was terminated. NASCAR reinstated Larson in October 2020, paving the way for his return to racing effective January 1, 2021. Larson then joined HMS in 2021 and experienced a breakout season, securing 10 victories and ultimately clinching the NASCAR Cup Series championship.

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In a recent tweet, Kyle Larson injected a dose of humor into the NASCAR conversation, addressing the iRacing community. Larson posted on X;

Who would be generous enough to donate some fast @iRacing setups? I’m slow, so need all the help I can get… (Queue up the jokes, I’m sure I know which ones are coming).

While he was prepared for anticipated remarks, Wallace’s response exceeded expectations in wit. He playfully incited the 2020 incident, posting;

2025 Cup champion over here.

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Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson seem to have moved forward from their 2022 contentious brawl

It’s a humorous nod to Larson’s past suspension and subsequent comeback. Wallace claims that Larson will get suspended in 2024, a repeat of what happened in 2020, and will then win the championship the very next year, mirroring his 2021 season. This exchange prompted a lot of fan reactions and kept the NASCAR community buzzing. 

Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson
Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson (Credits: Daytona Beach News Journal)

These two drivers have a shared on-track history marked by a contentious incident at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Following a collision, a physical altercation ensued, as Wallace sought to confront Larson. To prevent further escalation, Larson defensively raised his arms, but Wallace managed to land multiple blows before NASCAR safety personnel intervened.

Despite past on-track conflicts, Wallace had supported Larson during his suspension, highlighting empathy and optimism for the sport’s recovery. Their enduring friendship, showcased in a recent banter, reflects resilience amid challenges. As the NASCAR season approaches, the playful exchanges between Larson and Wallace add an intriguing element for fans, demonstrating the complexities and enduring bonds in a sport marked by intense competition and camaraderie.

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