NASCAR star Bubba Wallace, who drives for 23XI Racing, a team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, has found himself in the midst of a series of controversies in recent months. With multiple penalties and on-track incidents drawing widespread attention, Wallace has publicly urged Jordan and the team to consider his future with the organization—fueled by frustration and disappointment over a series of decisions that have impacted his performance and reputation.

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season has been a turbulent one for Wallace, who has often been at the center of on-track altercations and incidents with fellow drivers. A few key races have seen Wallace involved in aggressive confrontations, including wrecking rival drivers and drawing penalties for contact that some saw as intentional. With each incident, penalties were issued, ranging from points deductions to financial fines, and, in some cases, race suspensions.

Wallace’s high-profile clashes have drawn the ire of some NASCAR fans and competitors, with critics accusing him of using overly aggressive tactics or, at times, engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct. These controversial actions have drawn a spotlight on 23XI Racing and the leadership of Michael Jordan, who is often scrutinized for his role as team owner. As a public figure with a reputation for excellence both in basketball and business, Jordan’s involvement in the team has added a layer of scrutiny to the growing tensions surrounding Wallace.

For Wallace, the mounting penalties have led him to question whether his position at 23XI Racing remains tenable. In a series of candid interviews, Wallace admitted that he has struggled to find the balance between competitive aggression and maintaining a clean racing record. The penalties, he said, have taken a mental and emotional toll on him, and he is considering whether it’s time for a change in his NASCAR career.

“I’m frustrated,” Wallace said in an emotional interview. “I’m trying to race hard, trying to compete at the highest level, but sometimes it feels like I’m the only one getting called out for it. I respect Michael Jordan as a leader, and I know the team has supported me, but at some point, I’ve got to look out for myself too. If things don’t change, maybe it’s time to reassess whether this is still the right fit for me.”

Wallace has been a trailblazer in the sport, not just for his talent but also for being the first African American full-time Cup Series driver since the 1970s. He’s often been seen as a representative of diversity and change in a traditionally conservative and predominantly white sport. That added attention means that his every move—whether on the track or off it—is scrutinized by fans, media, and competitors alike.

Despite the setbacks, Wallace has expressed gratitude toward Jordan for his unwavering support. Michael Jordan has largely remained a steady hand in the face of the challenges Wallace has faced, offering guidance and encouragement. However, with Wallace’s recent frustrations, the next steps for the team and driver remain uncertain.

The key question now is whether Wallace and Jordan can reconcile their differing visions for success moving forward, or if Wallace will seek a fresh start with another team. For now, Wallace continues to push through the season, hoping for a breakthrough that could help him regain both his confidence and his place among NASCAR’s elite drivers.

Denny Hamlin has been suspended due to an unfortunate violation of NASCAR regulations, resulting in shock and disappointment among racing fans and the community at large. The announcement came amidst the racing season, leaving many wondering about the circumstances and consequences of this unexpected development.

In an emotional revelation, basketball legend Michael Jordan has opened up about a challenging moment in his venture into NASCAR with 23XI Racing, particularly following the personal loss of his close friend and partner, Denny Hamlin. The conversation, which took place during a recent interview, highlighted the profound impact of their friendship on both Jordan’s .

In a shocking turn of events, Kyle Busch, one of NASCAR’s most accomplished and revered drivers, has announced his unexpected departure from the sport. The news, which has sent ripples through the racing community, marks the end of an era for NASCAR fans and the sport as a whole. Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup.

SAD News: NASCAR penalizes Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, Austin Dillon

NASCAR penalizes Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, Austin Dillon

11 NASCAR members suspended following the penalty report from Martinsville Speedway

On Sunday, NASCAR raced on the half-mile of Martinsville Speedway. After the race weekend, multiple penalties have been announced including a suspension for 11 NASCAR members.

View the NASCAR penalty report from Martinsville Speedway below.

Crew chiefs, spotters and a team executive from the No. 1 driven by Ross Chastain, No. 3 driven by Austin Dillon and the No. 23 driven by Bubba Wallace have been suspended. Additionally, all three teams have been fined $100,000 and docked 50 points.

Richard Childress Racing, Trackhouse Racing and 23XI Racing have all announced plans to appeal the penalty.

Bubba Wallace investigated by NASCAR after playoff drama

Christopher Bell penalized; Removed from NASCAR championship (Video)

NASCAR Cup Series
Penalty Report

Driver: Ross Chastain (No. 1)

Date: 11/03/2024 (Post-Race)

Level: Behavioral

Infraction: Sections 4.4.B&D: NASCAR Member Conduct

Penalty: Team executive (Tony Lunders), crew chief (Philip Surgen), and spotter (Brandon McReynolds) have been suspended for the next NASCAR championship points event. Additionally, the team and driver have been fined $100,000 and assessed with the loss of 50 points.

—

Driver: Austin Dillon (No. 3)

Date: 11/03/2024 (Post-Race)

Level: Behavioral

Infraction: Sections 4.4.B&D: NASCAR Member Conduct

Penalty: Team executive (Keith Rodden), crew chief (Justin Alexander), and spotter (Brandon Benesch) have been suspended for the next NASCAR championship points event. Additionally, the team and driver have been fined $100,000 and assessed with the loss of 50 points.

—

Driver: Bubba Wallace (No. 23)

Date: 11/03/2024 (Post-Race)

Level: Behavioral

Infraction: Sections 4.4.B&D: NASCAR Member Conduct

Penalty: Team executive (Dave Rogers), crew chief (Robert Barker), and spotter (Freddie Kraft) have been suspended for the next NASCAR championship points event. Additionally, the team and driver have been fined $100,000 and assessed with the loss of 50 points.

Driver: Kyle Busch (No. 8)

Date: 11/03/2024 (Post-Race)

Level: Safety

Infraction: Sections 8.8.10.4.A & C: Tires and Wheels Note: Loss or separation of an improperly installed tire/wheel from the vehicle during the event.

Penalty: Crew members (Josh Sobecki and Michael Russell) have been suspended from the next two NASCAR Cup Series Championship points events, through and including, The Clash at Bowman Gray, February 2, 2025.

NASCAR Xfinity Series
Point Standings

Driver: Chandler Smith (No. 81)

Date: 11/02/2024 (Post-Race)

Level: Behavioral

Infraction: Sections 4.4.D: NASCAR Member Conduct

Penalty: Driver (Chandler Smith) has been fined $10,000.

NASCAR Truck Series
Point Standings

Driver: Ty Majeski (No. 98)

Date: 11/02/2024 (Post-Race)

Level: Behavioral

Infraction: Sections 4.4 A: NASCAR Member Conduct Note: Failure to complete media obligations

Penalty: Driver (Ty Majeski) has been fined $12,500.

Bubba Wallace faces Ban as NASCAR investigate playoff drama

NASCAR penalties could be issued to Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain and Austin Dillon

We saw drama in the final playoff elimination race at Martinsville Speedway. The drama led to a lengthy 25 minute delay in the results after the race.

In the closing laps, Christopher Bell needed 1 point in order to advance into the championship round. He was in a battle with William Byron.

The No. 23 crew told their driver, “10 to go at the line. 5 back to the No. 11 then 10 to the No. 24. The No. 24 and 21 are separated by a point right now.”

Later the team added, “Three to go.”

Bubba Wallace quickly responded, “I think I got a tire going down.” The team responded, “10-4. Just nurse it. Nurse it home.”

On the final lap, Bell caught Wallace. He slid him into turn three and went all the way to the wall. When Bell got to the wall, he stepped on the gas.

Per the rules, cars are not allowed to ride the wall. After the lengthy review, they penalized Bell, putting him as the last car -1 lap.

After the penalty, Bell was removed from next week’s championship race. Byron will join Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney and Tyler Reddick in the championship battle at Phoenix Raceway.

Brad Keselowski stated via X, “This should be the last straw on the camel’s back for the playoffs.”

Bubba Wallace is being investigated

Teams are not allowed to slow down just to let a teammate or an affiliated team gain a position. Penalties have been issued in the past for that very situation.

Over the team radio, Wallace stated he thought he had a tire going down. In post-race interviews, he noted that he thought something broke on the car.

After the race, NASCAR elected to tear down the No. 23 car driven by Bubba Wallace. This was likely to search for any broken part.

Ross Chastain and Austin Dillon are also being investigated

At the same time, Ross Chastain and Austin Dillon ran side by side behind William Byron. All three cars are Chevy funded teams.

It appeared that Chastain and Dillon were content to ride, even though they looked fast enough to pass Byron. Similar to Wallace, there was interesting audio over the team radio.

No. 3 team radio, “24 to go, the No. 24 is only two points to the good right now on points.”

The crew added, “If we pass him, he’ll be out.”

The No. 3 stated, “Does the No. 1 crew chief know the deal?” They added, “Yeah, he should.”

These actions could also result in a penalty.

NASCAR confirms they are looking into these situations

“If you look at the other situations that were going with the No. 23 and the cars behind the No. 24, really no bearing.”

“We’ll look at those at a later time. When we dissect exactly what happened. The No. 20 up against the fence then riding the fence. Which is clearly stated in our statement after Ross did that that, that would not be accepted.”

“The table is set for one of the best championship weekends that we’ve had in a long time.”

Any additional penalties are likely to be announced on Tuesday or Wednesday.