Bubba Wallace and Aric Almirola in Physical Confrontation After On-Track Incident Caught on Fan Video.

Rainy Race in Charlotte Leads to Confrontation Between Drivers

The Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, North Carolina, was a wet and wild race, with rain soaking the track and tempers flaring between drivers. During one delay, driver Aric Almirola confronted and shoved Bubba Wallace, leading to a physical altercation that was caught on camera.

Video of the Altercation

Here’s a screen grab from the video. It goes on for another 90 seconds or so of them arguing and walking away while arguing. If I tried to post the whole thing, this crappy internet would take until after the race. pic.twitter.com/Tl0yS5ni37

— Sarah Davis Bubba EXtReMiSt | #23in23 edition (@sarahdavisagain) May 29, 2023

Wallace later described the incident as a result of “frustration,” while Almirola said it began when Wallace passed him and “shot me the bird.” The altercation was eventually broken up by a race official.

Interview with Bubba Wallace and Aric Almirola

Bubba Wallace and Aric Almirola on the pit road shove. pic.twitter.com/QxUIq6huQp

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 30, 2023

Despite the altercation, Almirola said the incident is closed because he “got his point across” to Wallace. Wallace, for his part, preferred to focus on his fourth-place finish in the race.

Post-Race Interview with Bubba Wallace

Bubba Wallace said the exchange with Aric Almirola was just passion and he wasn’t surprised at Almirola’s shove: “When you walk around with two faces, that’s what you get.” pic.twitter.com/Z1kkHIjxCE

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 30, 2023

Despite the drama, Wallace has had a successful season so far, with four top-five finishes. “We’re hitting our stride,” he said. “The thing I love about racing is you get to show up and it’s a new opportunity, a fresh set of downs and you go out and compete.”

Key Takeaways:

• During a delay in the Coca-Cola 600 race in Charlotte, North Carolina, driver Aric Almirola confronted and shoved Bubba Wallace.
• The altercation was caught on camera and eventually broken up by a race official.
• Almirola said the incident is closed, while Wallace preferred to focus on his fourth-place finish in the race.
• Despite the drama, Wallace has had a successful season so far, with four top-five finishes.

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