Amid Bubba Wallace-Aric Almirola falling out: 3 times when a NASCAR team suspended its driver

Jordan Bianchi of the Athletic revealed that NASCAR driver Aric Almirola was involved in a fight with Bubba Wallace during a competition meeting. Based on information from industry insiders, Bianchi stated that the meeting was a gathering of drivers from 23XI Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing, which are linked through their Toyota partnership.

The incident led to Almirola missing the Xfinity race on May 25 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Ty Gibbs, who substituted for Almirola and clinched the pole for the race, mentioned he was informed just three days prior that he'd be behind the wheel.

At that time, a spokesperson for JGR described the change as a 'team decision.' Almirola is scheduled to make his return to the track next month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway after what has been reported as a team-imposed suspension stemming from the altercation.

However, this isn't the first instance of a team benching a driver due to something not related to on-track antics.

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1. Noah Gragson got suspended by his team and NASCAR due to his social media actions

Noah Gragson faced a major setback last year when he was indefinitely suspended first by Legacy Motor Club and subsequently by NASCAR. The action was taken after Gragson allegedly liked a racially insensitive post on Instagram.

Legacy Motor Club quickly announced its decision to suspend the 25-year-old driver, stating that his actions did not align with the team’s values.

NASCAR also addressed the situation, pointing out that Gragson's behavior violated Section 4.4.D. of their Rule Book, which pertains to driver conduct. They supported Legacy Motor Club’s initial decision, underscoring the seriousness of the violation regarding member conduct as outlined in the 2023 NASCAR Rule Book.

Following the suspension, Gragson completed the required sensitivity training and was reinstated by NASCAR on September 12, 2023. He is currently behind the wheel of the #10 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing.

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2. Kyle Larson was indefinitely suspended by Chip Ganassi Racing

Kyle Larson was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR and his then-team, Chip Ganassi Racing in 2020 for using a racial slur during a livestream of a virtual race. The incident occurred when Larson was participating in an iRacing event and seemed to lose connection with his spotter. While checking his microphone, he inadvertently uttered the slur.

Larson immediately faced the repercussions of his action, acknowledging there was "no excuse" for his language and issuing an apology through a video on his social media accounts. The organization mandated that Larson undergo a sensitivity training course as a condition for any potential reinstatement.

After completing the required rehabilitation, Larson made a comeback to the racing world, this time with Hendrick Motorsports. His return proved successful as he won the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Title, marking a redemption in his career.

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3. Jeremy Mayfield was suspended and released by his teams

The issues began with Mayfield making controversial remarks about team owner Ray Evernham and emerging talent Erin Crocker, which led to tensions within the team. Consequently, he was released from Evernham Motorsports.

In 2009, Mayfield attempted to return to Cup racing with his own team but soon found himself in trouble again. He was required to undergo a random drug test, which he failed.

Mayfield disclosed that he had taken Adderall for his ADHD, but this did not prevent his suspension. What followed was a protracted legal battle that ultimately led to NASCAR banning him for life, marking a dramatic and contentious end to his career in the sport.