Bubba Wallace Gateway restart incident took center stage at the Gateway race on Sunday, when Wallace’s car issue nearly caused trouble for fellow driver Kyle Larson during a key restart. The two drivers discussed the moment after the race, as both remain strong contenders in the NASCAR playoffs.
How the Restart Unfolded at Gateway
After the race concluded, Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson were spotted in conversation, with witness Jeff Gluck sharing a photograph of Wallace seemingly explaining the restart situation. The sequence began when Wallace, who was in the lead, experienced a malfunction in his No. 23 car—it became stuck in first gear during the restart. This sudden technical issue almost led to a major incident involving Larson, raising tension at a critical playoff moment.
“I did it the restart before, and it was fine,”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
“I need to go back and study how to do it better, but hate it. I don’t know if it gave the five (Kyle Larson) damage, but they were solid cars.”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
Though a significant wreck was averted, the incident affected how both drivers approached the race’s closing laps. Wallace ultimately finished eighth, while Larson crossed the finish line in 12th position.
Post-Race Reflections and Playoff Implications
Taking the incident in stride, Larson acknowledged the effect it had on his race plans and team’s strategy, emphasizing the strong performance despite the setback.
“It was a great race for us. We had a great, great car,”
—Kyle Larson, Driver
Larson explained that the disruption during the restart by Wallace’s car hampered his team’s approach and unfortunately worked against their original race tactics. Despite the hiccup, both drivers hold healthy positions in the championship chase. Larson currently sits third overall, sixty points above the playoff cut line, while Wallace trails just behind with a fifty-point buffer.
Drivers Eye Progress in Playoffs
Following the Gateway race, both drivers expressed confidence in their crews and looked ahead to upcoming challenges on the NASCAR calendar. Larson reflected on his team’s strength through adversity and his determination as the playoffs continue.
“Yeah, proud of my team. Just a phenomenal race car. A place we struggle at. A style of track we struggle at. Looking forward to going to New Hampshire with this package, trying to build off of it. Just keep trying to do a good job in the playoffs and hopefully get to Phoenix and have a chance to race for a championship.”
—Kyle Larson, Driver
Bubba Wallace is back in the playoffs after missing last season, having secured his spot with a victory at the Brickyard 400 in July at Indianapolis. His performance has remained consistent, scoring top 10 finishes in four of his last six races. Larson, aiming for a second NASCAR Cup Series Championship after winning the title in 2021, secured his playoff berth by taking the checkered flag at the Homestead race in March, and added wins at Kansas and Bristol.
NASCAR now heads to Bristol for the final playoff event in the Round of 16, where both Wallace and Larson will look to lock in their spots for the next round. Their ongoing rivalry and strong seasons continue to make the Bubba Wallace Gateway restart incident a point of discussion among fans and analysts as the postseason unfolds.
