During an appearance on a recent podcast, Bubba Wallace described his most frightening moment behind the wheel, recounting his scariest NASCAR crash at Pocono, which occurred in his rookie year. The 23XI Racing driver reflected on how a major brake failure at Pocono Raceway in 2018 left him fearing for his safety as he lost control of his car at high speed.
Bubba Wallace’s Harrowing Experience at Pocono Raceway
When Bubba Wallace began his full-time Cup Series career in 2018 with Richard Petty Motorsports, he expected to face challenges on the track, but nothing prepared him for the ordeal at Pocono Raceway. During that race, while piloting the No. 43 Chevrolet, Wallace suffered a sudden brake issue that hurtled him into the outside barriers. The mechanical failure resulted in a violent crash as he struggled to bring the car under control.
Recalling the intensity of the incident during an interview with Katie Nolan on the Casuals podcast, Wallace spoke openly about the fear he experienced and the split-second decisions he had to make. He stated,
“So my brakes blew out. You want to talk about scary stuff,”
—Wallace, NASCAR driver. The pressure mounted as he attempted to avoid catastrophe, opting to turn through the grass, convincing himself for a moment that he could regain control and reach the backstretch. However, his plan did not work as intended, and the car sped toward the wall, amplifying the sense of danger he felt in those moments.
Physical Aftermath and Psychological Impact from the Crash
Despite the severity of the accident, Wallace was fortunate to emerge mostly unharmed. At the time, he admitted that he feared a much worse outcome while bracing for impact. In a description of the physical toll the crash took, Wallace shared,
“And so I broke the gas pedal or clutch pedal in half with my foot, and I bit my cheek, so I had a sore foot for a couple of days.”
—Wallace, NASCAR driver. The force of the crash caused minor injuries, but the psychological effect lingered as one of his most terrifying experiences in motorsports.
While Wallace was able to walk away, the incident remains etched in his mind as a deep reminder of the unpredictability and risks that come with NASCAR racing. Fellow drivers and industry figures like Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin continue to support Wallace as he advances in his career, while moments like the 2018 Pocono crash serve as a somber reference point for the dangers that racers face every time they enter the track.
Lasting Impact on Wallace’s Racing Career
The memory of his scariest NASCAR crash at Pocono continues to influence Bubba Wallace’s perspective as he competes in the Cup Series. The incident highlighted the inherent risks associated with high-speed racing and reinforced the importance of safety measures in NASCAR. As Wallace represents teams like 23XI Racing and carries on after his rookie campaign, he draws from experiences like the Pocono crash to stay vigilant and prepared for the demands of each race weekend.
As Wallace’s story demonstrates, even the most experienced drivers face unexpected moments that test their courage and quick thinking. His account of the notorious brake failure and crash at Pocono Raceway stands as a powerful example of the challenges and dangers found in professional motorsport, ensuring both drivers and fans respect the fine line between competition and safety on the track.
