Bubba Wallace’s season came to a crashing end during the Southern Cookout 500 in Darlington, South Carolina. This marks the sixth time in seven seasons that Wallace has failed to make post-season contention, sparking calls for a big change within his team, 23XI Racing, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan.
Wallace entered the race needing a victory to secure his playoff spot. Over 325 laps, Wallace showed plenty of potential but ultimately found himself ensnared in a chaotic crash during Stage 3. Ty Gibbs, Josh Berry, and Denny Hamlin went three-wide, setting off a chain reaction that led to multiple cars spinning and colliding, including Wallace’s car. The aftermath terminated Wallace’s playoff hopes and marked his third DNF of the year.
Reflecting on the incident, Wallace commented:
“We just got so tight there and got back there in traffic, a spot we hadn’t been all day. I got caught up in someone else’s mess.
Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 U.S. Air Force Toyota, walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on September 01, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina. Bubba Wallace’s shocking playoff crash at the Southern Cookout 500 sparked calls for changes within 23XI Racing.
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
“Unfortunate, I hate it for your guys, but hats off to the 14 [Chase Briscoe]. I thought I did something yesterday, they one-up’d us and showed up when it was game time.
“That’s pretty badass, so congrats to them.”
Despite his attempts to stay positive and acknowledge Briscoe’s performance, the crash has led to a polarized public reaction.
A number of fans have criticized Wallace for seemingly deflecting responsibility for the crash. One commenter sarcastically remarked:
“Bubba crashed, but it wasn’t his fault, what a surprise,” while another bluntly suggested:
“Get rid of him, M.J.”
However, Wallace also received support from fans who appreciated his efforts and recognized the unpredictable nature of racing.
“Bubba gave it everything he had. Got caught up in something that wasn’t his doing; things happen,” defended one supporter.
The incident places increased scrutiny on 23XI Racing, where Michael Jordan’s involvement and influence are widely acknowledged. The team had a mixed weekend, with Tyler Reddick securing his first-ever Cup Series regular-season title—marking a historic achievement as the first for Jordan’s NASCAR organization.
Yet this success was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Wallace’s crash and perceived lack of recognition for Reddick’s triumph. A fan critiqued Wallace for not acknowledging Reddick’s win, stating:
“This guy is so wrapped up in himself that he didn’t even say congrats to Tyler Reddick for winning (By a whisker) the regular season championship.”
Wallace’s response to the missed playoffs was nothing but disappointment:
“… [I] Wasn’t good enough for 16th this year. Hate that, it stings saying that but wasn’t from lack of effort from all of us from this 23 car. Best of luck to the 45 [Tyler Reddick] and hopefully a Toyota wins.”
