"I'm sure he'll think twice about it next time" - When Kyle Larson addressed Bubba Wallace's response after NASCAR accident

Kyle Larson and Bubba Wallace crashed at the 2022 NASCAR Round of 8 playoff race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The incident led to the two drivers retiring from the race. Larson’s move into Turn 4 instigated the crash and Wallace in retaliation hit the rear right quarter of the #5, ending the race for the two.

Larson was questioned about the retaliation from Wallace that led to his retirement. He said (via NASCAR):

“I mean, it didn't surprise me. I obviously made an aggressive move into three and got in low and got loose and chased it up a bit and, yeah, I mean, he got to my right front and it got him tight and into the wall and knew he was going to retaliate. So, like I said, he had a reason to be mad, but his race wasn't over until he retaliated. So it is what it is. Yeah, just aggression turned into frustration and you retaliated.”

“I think with everything that's been going on here lately, with head injuries and, you know, all that, you know, fractured ligaments and all that, I don't think it's probably the right thing to do. But, you know, hey, we've all done it. Maybe not all of us, but, I mean, I have. I've let the emotions get the best of me before, too. I know he's probably still upset, but I'm sure with everything going on, he'll know that he made a mistake in the retaliation part, and I'm sure, he'll think twice about it next time,” he added.

Larson took the low line going into Turn 3 on Lap 94. As the 32-year-old approached the next turn, the #5 started to push wide towards the high line as Larson didn't step off the gas. The HMS driver had Wallace on the outside, who was subsequently pushed into the wall as a result.

Wallace was not too keen on being pushed into the wall and steered left into the rear right quarter panel of Larson's #5 car as retaliation. However, that was not all. The 31-year-old got out of his McDonald's sponsored car and headed Larson's way. As Bubba approached Kyle, he shoved the HMS driver into the #5 car and showed his frustration. Speaking about the post-accident shoving, Larson said,

“I mean, I seen him walking over, so I figured he would do something. Yeah, I don't know. Like I said, he had every right to be upset. I'd rather him do that than tear up our cars in a dangerous matter.”

NASCAR revisited the incident after the race and handed Bubba Wallace a penalty.

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Bubba Wallace faced suspension for the crash with Kyle Larson at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

The crash between Kyle Larson and Bubba Wallace from the 2022 Las Vegas Motor Speedway was investigated by NASCAR, which included the on-track incidents and the off-track shoving. While no action was taken for the shoving, a one-race suspension was handed to Wallace for the on-track retaliation.

AUTO: OCT 16 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff South Point 400 (Source: Getty)

23XI Racing didn't appeal the suspension as the team statement read,

“23XI is aligned with NASCAR on the one-race suspension issued to Bubba and we understand the need for the series to take a clear stand on the incidents that took place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Bubba's actions are not in keeping with the values of our team and partners.”

“We have spoken to Bubba and expressed our disapproval of how he handled the situation. Bubba has made impressive strides this season and this experience is an opportunity for him to further learn and grow as a competitor in NASCAR.”

Steve O'Donnell, the executive in charge of competition and racing operations at NASCAR, suggested that the penalty was for Wallace's deliberate retaliation against Kyle Larson.