Bubba Wallace gets revenge, puts Alex Bowman into the wall after Chicago Street Race

Tensions flared during the cooldown lap after Alex Bowman’s win at the Grant Park 165 in Chicago on Sunday evening, with Bubba Wallace knocking Bowman’s car into the wall as he vented some frustration.

Bowman had just taken down his window netting and had lifted his helmet visor, wiping sweat from his brow as Wallace slammed the right side of his car. Bowman appeared upset on an in-car camera showing the collision.

Bubba Wallace had been spun out by Bowman earlier in the race during Stage 1, something Bowman apologized for after getting out of his car.

“I have to apologize again to the 23 guys,” Bowman said. “Just messed up and trying to get my windshield wiper on and missed a corner and ruined their day. So I hate that. I’m still embarrassed by it, but we have a trophy to take home.”

BUBBA WALLACE DOORSLAMMED ALEX BOWMAN. 😳

The No. 48 spun the No. 23 earlier in the race. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/C9GP93C4zC

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) July 8, 2024

The frustration for Bubba Wallace comes as he’s on the edge of the playoff cut line. Going into the day, Bowman was just inside the cut at No. 16, while Wallace was 51 points back below the cut line at No. 17.

Needless to say, the frustration boiled over after the race with Wallace’s dangerous bump.

Bubba Wallace has had a tough season, unable to quite get things going despite some quality races here and there. He’s been involved in a lot of contact this season, contact that has kept him from some more competitive finishes.

He’s getting close to must-win territory and having a driver essentially ruin his day with a mistake will only add insult to injury.

For Bowman, the win was his first of the season and will ensure he makes the playoff field. That’ll be a huge relief to him, rather than having to ride out the cut line from week to week as the second half of the season plays out.