Bubba Wallace, Aric Almirola feud long predates latest alleged physical altercation

News came out earlier today that Bubba Wallace and Aric Almirola were involved in a physical altercation back in May. Almirola was then suspended by Joe Gibbs Racing and pulled from his NASCAR Xfinity Series seat for the duration of the suspension.

23XI Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing have competition meetings together. The two teams share data and that is the reason why they all converge for the weekly meeting. One thing led to another and Almirola was considered the instigator by JGR.

So, what is the deal? Do these two have beef?

As I pointed out earlier today, there is a bit of history with Bubba Wallace and Aric Almirola. Actually, as recently as last year at Charlotte. The two got into an argument and shoving match during a rain delay at the Coca-Cola 600.

Wallace credited that to “frustrations” in a Crown Jewel race. Wallace called Almirola “two-faced” as well. Almirola didn’t seem too happy with Wallace at the time either, saying the 23XI Racing driver flipped him off on the race track.

Things go back even further than that. Thanks to Daniel McFadin of the Arkansas-Democrat Gazzette and Frontstretch we were reminded that things go back even further.

Almirola left Richard Petty Motorsports before the 2018. Wallace had substituted for Almirola earlier in 2017 and had strong runs. They were more or less comparable when you look at Almirola’s 2016 and 2017 performances.

As McFadin reminds us, Bubba Wallace did not appreciate the “advice” that Aric Almirola gave him. “Don’t make the King mad.”

At the time, Wallace said “It’s funny that Aric wants to give advice. I still have the text he sent me before my debut [in the 43], which wasn’t advice.”

Bubba Wallace denied physical altercation with Almirola

Now, the rumor about the Almriola and Wallace fight came out a week or so ago. Maybe even some rumblings back in May when it originally happened. However, neither side has come out and talked about what happened.

Still, the original reporting from Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic is based on multiple sources who would be in the know. Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports also came out and supported the story.

To his credit, when asked by media, Wallace denied anything ever happened. He even went as far as to say it would be “crazy” if Almirola got physical with him. So, what is it? I’m inclined to believe that it did actually happen.

Bubba Wallace has a lot going on right now. He needs to focus on the race track and not on outside noise. It’s probably for the best that he ignores what is happening with this story and does his best to run well at Nashville and beyond.