Global Courant 2023-05-23 22:33:11
NASCAR will not penalize Bubba Wallace after he was spotted raising his middle finger during a post-race interview following his second-place finish at the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway last weekend.
The decision not to fine Wallace comes from NASCAR’s understanding that Wallace gestured to a friend and that while the gesture itself was inappropriate, it was not done with malicious intent, FOX Sports reported Monday.
#23 Columbia Sportswear Company Toyota driver Bubba Wallace walks onto the podium during driver intros ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 21, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Wallace finished second in the 200-lap race on Sunday behind Kyle Larson, who took his third All-Star race win in just five years.
BUBBA WALLACE APPEARS TO TURN OFF THE CAMERA; NASCAR IS INVESTIGATING APPARENT HACK IN THE DRIVER’S RADIO
While speaking to FOX Sports’ Jamie Little, Wallace subtly flipped the bird while seemingly adjusting the collar of his fire suit.
Video of the incident went viral on social media.
Bubba Wallace, #23 23XI Racing Columbia Sportswear Company Toyota, talks with members of his crew during the run of the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race on May 21, 2023 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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However, the obscene gesture and Wallace’s second-place finish were overshadowed by another controversy when someone allegedly hacked into his radio during the race.
“Go back to where you came from, asshole,” the person reportedly said. “You are not wanted in NASCAR.”
Bubba Wallace, #23 23XI Racing Columbia Sportswear Company Toyota, during the Sunday night NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race on May 21, 2023 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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According to Motorsport.com, Wallace has not heard or confirmed the report. NASCAR is reportedly investigating the matter.
Ryan Gaydos of Fox News and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
