Bubba Wallace thinks it is 'good' NASCAR suspended Chase Elliott
Right after Chase Elliott swiped down at Denny Hamlin, everyone wanted to make comparisons to what Bubba Wallace did to Kyle Larson last year. There are differences and nuances between the two situations. However, from a NASCAR perspective, they both right-reared a competitor as retaliation for a racing-related incident. Plain and simple.
The main difference you could argue is that Bubba Wallace didn’t make it look as innocent as Chase Elliott did. Elliott also didn’t wreck himself in the process and then go after Hamlin in the infield. Ultimately, both drivers acted in a way that is unacceptable on the track.
This week with Elliott sidelined, Wallace was asked to give his take on the suspension of NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver.
“They compared it?” Wallace sarcastically asked back when asked by Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports. “I thought they said it was very different, mind-boggling… Depends on if they’re wearing a 9 hat or a 23 hat, I guess. Hey, it happened and we’re here. So it is what it is I guess.”
As far as Elliott’s penalty and the counterfeit part penalty against Chase Briscoe, Bubba Wallace thinks that it is good NASCAR is making these decisions.
“They’re [NASCAR] all about it. I think you look at, they’re [NASCAR] finally putting their foot down in a lot of instances. Look at the 14 penalty. So, it’s good. Need to stop letting the tail wag the dog. It’s good.”
You’re not going to hear any complaints out of Bubba Wallace on this matter, that’s for sure.
Bubba Wallace on a hot streak
Even though Bubba Wallace approves of the suspension of Chase Elliott, it isn’t like it is malicious. The two are friends off the track, his is simply business as they say. Wallace sees a similar situation to his from last year, he likes seeing NASCAR respond in kind.
In the meantime, Wallace is on a hot streak that he is looking to continue. With three straight top-5 finishes, four if you include the All-Star Race, Wallace is really coming into form. If he doesn’t have to worry about a guy like Elliott on the track this week, that only helps him on his path to another top-5 finish.
The Enjoy Illinois 300 on Sunday will give Bubba Wallace another opportunity to build up his points and make a case for the playoffs. This race didn’t go Wallace’s way last year. Perhaps he will turn his luck around and put up another strong race.
Back in 2014, Wallace had a pretty great time at WWT Raceway in the Truck Series return to the track.