On a tense afternoon at Texas Motor Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Jr. offered a pointed and emotional response to Bubba Wallace’s decision to take blame for a dramatic crash during the NASCAR Cup race. The incident, which unfolded on lap 172, saw Wallace, racing on the outside lane with Joey Logano close behind, lose control and hit the wall. As he rebounded off the outside barrier, Wallace’s car slowed and made contact with Logano’s No. 22 ford/”>Ford. The resulting spin triggered a multi-car wreck, marking a deeply troubled moment in Wallace’s season and leaving spectators and analysts unsettled by the aftermath.
After the dust settled, Bubba Wallace surprisingly accepted responsibility for the crash. While some saw this as a sign of maturity and sportsmanship, Dale Earnhardt Jr. openly disagreed with that assessment, insisting the crash was more of an unfortunate racing event rather than a clear driver error. Speaking on his podcast, Earnhardt Jr. declared,
“I know Bubba took blame for it. Bubba bounced off the outside wall and come across the nose of the 22 [Logano]. They were tight, though. I didn’t really think Bubba had to take responsibility. I think it was just a racing deal.”
The sequence escalated emotions among both teams and fans, as many expected Wallace to criticize Logano for his aggressive positioning. Earnhardt Jr., reflecting on what he witnessed, was candid in his expectations.
“I watched that, and I thought, ‘Man, I bet Bubba’s pissed.’ I thought Joey kind of [used him up]. Logano was not hitting him but at his left rear… I was like, ‘Oh, man, I would be pissed if I was Bubba.’ But he got out and he’s like, ‘My fault, man.’”
These words underscored the tension and frustration felt both on the track and off, especially considering the weight of Wallace’s winless streak and the lingering pressure to deliver better results.
Bubba Wallace’s own team felt the strain as well. During the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Freddie Kraft, Wallace’s friend and spotter, described the crash as another disappointing chapter in an already difficult season.
“We just got tight off [Turn] 2 and we just clipped the wall and the #22 was on our bumper and turned us down into the rest of the crowd. Unfortunate ending, another… it’s kind of been our story of the season. We either get good runs or we have good speed and we don’t get the finishes we deserve,”
Kraft reflected, revealing clear frustration and concern for the direction the season has taken.
For Dale Earnhardt Jr., the episode at Texas was yet another example of the unpredictable and intense nature of NASCAR racing. His strong reaction to Bubba Wallace’s acceptance of blame highlighted a difference in philosophy—one rooted in personal racing experience and shaped by the emotional rollercoaster of professional competition. The Hall of Famer’s passionate words not only reflected deep disappointment but also influenced ongoing conversations within the sport about accountability and how drivers handle politically sensitive incidents.
As the season continues, the impact of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s reaction will likely ripple through the garage and fanbase. Bubba Wallace faces increased scrutiny, the 23XI Racing team confronts another setback, and observers are left wondering how this event will shape both their fortunes and the evolving narrative for the remainder of the year. With authority and vulnerability, Earnhardt Jr. has reignited debate about the nature of blame and adversity in racing, ensuring this Texas incident will not soon be forgotten.
