What’s Happening
Driver of the No. 23 MoneyLion Toyota, Bubba Wallace, bumped into the back of Kyle Larson in Turn 12, which also collected Erik Jones in his No. 43 Chevrolet. The contact broke the right rear toe link on Bubba’s car and his team noticed oil leaking from the car when he brought it to his pit box. This ended the day for the 23XI driver.
During his interview, Bubba was not too kind to himself.
- Bubba hasn’t had great results to show for as of yet in the 2023 Cup season outside of one top 5 finish at Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago.
- During his interview after getting out of the infield care center, he made harsh comments about him making “rookie mistakes,” and “needing to be replaced,” after a streak of poor finishes to start the season
- Fans are quick to voice their reaction on Bubba’s comments about himself even though his problems started with a mechanical issue.
Jamie Little with FOX Sports was able to catch up with Bubba Wallace just after he exited the Infield Care Center.
Bubba Wallace after a mistake ends his day at COTA: pic.twitter.com/I36fmTgfsi
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 26, 2023
The Main Characters
FOX Sports caught Bubba Wallace slamming the hood of his beaten-up No. 23 Toyota after a frustrating day at COTA.
A frustrating end to the day for Bubba Wallace at COTA. pic.twitter.com/ThLmO0Xhkg
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 26, 2023
23XI updated fans on the status of the No. 23 team and their driver on the early end to their day.
After an incident in the first stage of racing, the No. 23 @MoneyLion team is done for the day. pic.twitter.com/b5qMuqd3t2
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) March 26, 2023
In The Stands
Fan John Haverlin hated to see Bubba talk down about himself but gives reason he belongs in the Cup Series.
Hate to see Bubba Wallace so condescending to himself like that. Like, I know he isn't having the most remarkable career a driver has ever had, but he is in Cup for a reason.
— John Haverlin (@JohnHaverlin) March 26, 2023
He doesn't need to be replaced.
Jay was keeping an eye on the No. 23’s in-car cameras and adds that he spotted the rear camera getting covered in fluid.

Kenny shares his reaction to what he saw during the broadcast of the incident.

Other fans feel for Bubba talking down about himself and try to give encouragement.



Head up king @BubbaWallace
— Justin Champagne (@ChampagneRacin) March 26, 2023
Other fans had more negative comments to say on what Bubba Wallace had to say about getting replaced.


Stacking Pennies tweeted out reminding Bubba that he is a winner in the Cup Series and some encouraging words.

On Your Screen
Darian Gilliam shares his thoughts on Bubba’s inconsistency in the beginning of every season and his comments after leaving the care center.
I didn’t have Bubba Wallace making the playoffs in my predictions for no reason.
— Darian Gilliam (@BlackFlagMatter) March 26, 2023
He remains inconsistent in the beginning of every season. When will he put a full season together? #NASCAR75
Bubba Wallace said he needs to be replaced on air.
— Darian Gilliam (@BlackFlagMatter) March 26, 2023
Dude keeps it’s real and wears his emotions on his sleeve. Hoping they’ll bounce back at Kansas and Talladega. #NASCAR75
DennyDeliversYT doesn’t like hearing Bubba talk down about himself.
don’t say that Bubba 🥺❤️
— DennyDeliversYT 📦 (@DennyDelivers) March 26, 2023
From The Pressbox
NASCAR on TSN tweeted out the contact the Bubba Wallace had with Kyle Larson.
BUBBA TAKES OUT LARSON!
— NASCAR on TSN (@NASCARonTSN) March 26, 2023
The No. 23 locks up and goes straight into the No. 5 with @BubbaWallace suffering significant damage.@Erik_Jones was also collected, but was able to continue.#NASCAR #EchoParkGP pic.twitter.com/gI0mvre3gs