A look back at when Bubba Wallace lost a sponsorship deal during an iRacing event

23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace has always been a polarizing figure in the NASCAR Cup Series. With fans either loving Wallace for who he is as a personality or hating him for some reason, the #23 Toyota Camry XSE driver certainly has had a rollercoaster ride in the sport.

One of the controversial moments in Wallace's career came during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. While the whole world was quarantined, Bubba Wallace and many other NASCAR drivers participated in online races, like the Food City Rumble at Bristol Motor Speedway. The virtual event took place on the popular racing simulation platform, iRacing, and featured former and current NASCAR drivers.

Wallace left the online session mid-race after a collision with former driver-turned-commentator Clint Bowyer, in what is often referred to as a 'rage-quit' in gaming terms.

The driver later addressed the incident, taking to social media to react to the overwhelming negative response he was receiving from fans for his actions. He wrote on X:

"Bahaha I'm dying at my mentions right now... I ruined so many peoples day by quiting..a video game.. Bahaha. A video game. Damn quarantine life is rough."

Due to his actions in the race and his subsequent words on social media, one of Wallace's sponsors decided to to cut ties with the driver. Blue Emu publicly announced on X:

"GTK where you stand. Bye bye Bubba. We're interested in drivers, not quitters."

The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season meanwhile was a career-high for Bubba Wallace. The former Richard Petty Enterprises driver managed to qualify for the postseason playoffs for the first time in his career.

Making it into the postseason on points, Wallace's playoffs charge did not go on for long. However, he did show signs of progress from his previous results.

Where did Bubba Wallace finish during the 2024 Busch Light Clash?

Bubba Wallace seemingly did not carry his momentum from last year into the exhibition-style Clash at the LA Memorial Coliseum.

The #23 Toyota Camry XSE driver was seen spinning several times during the race due to contact from other drivers. Wallace ultimately managed to finish in P12, despite a last-lap spin courtesy of Kyle Larson's front bumper.

Watch Wallace and other drivers will now be getting ready to kick off the regular points-paying season at the famed Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 2:30 pm ET.