Bubba Wallace faces no discipline from NASCAR for flipping the bird during post-race interview: reports
NASCAR is also investigating reports Wallace's radio was hacked during the race
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}NASCAR will not discipline Bubba Wallace after he was spotted raising his middle finger during a post-race interview following his second-place finish at the All-Star race at the North Wilkesboro Speedway over the weekend.
The decision not to fine Wallace comes from NASCAR’s understanding that Wallace was gesturing toward a friend and that while the gesture itself was inappropriate, it was not done with malicious intent, FOX Sports reported Monday.
Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 Columbia Sportswear Company Toyota, walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 21, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Wallace finished second in the 200-lap race on Sunday behind Kyle Larson, who claimed his third All-Star race victory in just five years.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}While speaking with FOX Sports’ Jamie Little, Wallace flipped the bird in a subtle way while seemingly adjusting the collar of his fire suit.
Video of the incident went viral on social media.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Bubba Wallace, #23 23XI Racing Columbia Sportswear Company Toyota, talks with members of his crew during the running of the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race on May 21, 2023 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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However, the obscene gesture and Wallace’s second-place finish were overshadowed by another controversy when someone reportedly hacked his radio during the race.
"Go back to where you came from you a--hole," the person reportedly said. "You’re not wanted in NASCAR."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Bubba Wallace, #23 23XI Racing Columbia Sportswear Company Toyota, during the Sunday evening NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race on May 21, 2023 at the North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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According to Motorsport.com, Wallace did not hear the message or acknowledge it. NASCAR is reportedly investigating the matter.
Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press contributed to this report.