Noah Gragson expressed deep frustration after being swept up in a chaotic crash during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday, an incident that dramatically affected the final stage on Lap 172. Alongside Bubba Wallace, who admitted fault, and A.J. Allmendinger, Gragson faced disappointment as the pileup ended his day early and dashed hopes for a strong finish.
The dramatic wreck erupted when Bubba Wallace, who had maintained a position in the top ten, slid into the wall at the 1.5-mile Fort Worth track, then spun down into oncoming traffic. The resulting collision caught several cars in its wake, including those of Joey Logano, Alex Bowman, Chad Finchum, Allmendinger, and critically, Noah Gragson. Fans, who had anticipated mayhem at Talladega instead found it unfolding unexpectedly in Texas.
A.J. Allmendinger explained after the race how he ended up ensnared in the incident, detailing that after Wallace’s initial spin, his own car connected with Gragson’s, launching Allmendinger’s vehicle into the air.
I thought I could make it through. I just hate it for our team,
Allmendinger shared, voicing particular disappointment for his Kaulig Racing No. 16 crew.
Noah Gragson similarly recounted his dismay, stating, “Thought I’d avoid it,” but circumstances proved otherwise. Forced to retire from the race alongside Allmendinger, Gragson’s attempt to steer clear of trouble ended in the garage, his post-race reaction revealing a mix of sorrow and suppressed rage at the relentless unpredictability of high-speed racing.
Bubba Wallace, meanwhile, took responsibility for the multi-car melee, acknowledging the costly mistake in an interview with Front Stretch. Though he tried to return to the track, his race was ultimately cut short, and he expressed remorse for letting down his 23XI Racing team. As the series heads toward Kansas City, Wallace is ranked eighth in Cup standings, while Gragson and others regroup after the tumultuous afternoon in Texas.
This wreck underscores how quickly fortunes can change in NASCAR, especially for drivers like Noah Gragson. The Texas crash not only shook up race results but left teams seeking answers and hoping to regain momentum in upcoming events. The incident’s aftermath serves as a sobering reminder of the intense risks and emotional stakes faced by everyone on the track each week.
