“Don’t truly deter this” - Dale Earnhardt Jr. urges NASCAR to keep the spirit of racing alive after Bubba Wallace’s on-track outburst at Chicago

On his podcast, The Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr. spoke in favor of the minor door slamming by Bubba Wallace that happens when drivers let their frustration show. He argued that it helps keep the racing spirit alive and acknowledged that NASCAR has the right to penalize drivers, who slammed Alex Bowman's door during the cool-down lap. However, he believes they should not strip them of their points.

During the recent Grant Park 165 in Chicago, Alex Bowman attempted to clear his windshield on lap 25 of the 58-lap race and messed it up. His blunder sent him off course, resulting in Wallace spinning out and smashing into the wall.

Despite the mishap, Wallace clawed his way back into the race, finishing in 13th place. However, he didn't miss the chance to even the score. As the cars neared Turn 12 on the circuit during the cool-down lap and were about to turn onto Columbus Drive after the Chicago Street Race, Wallace pulled alongside Bowman's car and slammed his front left tire into the door of Bowman’s vehicle.

Speaking out against NASCAR restricting drivers too much on his podcast, Earnhardt Jr. said:

"I do like the old throwback idea that man, you know if you piss me off enough, I want to be able to drive up to your car and door you a little bit. Drivers need to be able to do those things. And if they want to fine them, that's fine. I won't. I don't care."

"I don't think the driver's mind is too much- 5, 10, 15 grand. Don't take points away. Don’t truly deter this. Because this... is what racing is about? Now there is a line, there is a line where it's too egregious too dangerous."

While Bubba Wallace chose not to comment when NASCAR.com approached him after the event, Alex Bowman came to his defense, stating that Wallace deserved better.

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'I ruined their day,' says Alex Bowman after the door-slamming incident by Bubba Wallace

After his victory at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, Alex Bowman took a moment during his post-race interview to touch on a contentious moment from the race. He stated [via NBC Chicago]:

"I have to apologize again to the #23 guys. I just messed up and was trying to get my windshield wiper on and missed a corner and ruined their whole day. I hate that and I’m still embarrassed by that."

Following the interview, Bowman continued to support Bubba Wallace in a conversation with reporter Nate Ryan, arguing that Wallace should not face any penalties for the post-race incident. Bowman explained:

"He barely hit me, everything was fine and it was plenty deserved".

Next up, both drivers will compete at Pocono Raceway, where the #23 has an average finish of 20.0 and Alex Bowman holds an average of 18.4.