Bubba Wallace frustrated over ‘unacceptable’ problems with 23XI Racing at Phoenix

Bubba Wallace lost his cool during the NASCAR Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway after his car failed him early in the run. The 23XI Racing driver was furious over a throttle issue that left his No. 23 Toyota without full power.

At the time, Wallace was running 17th when his throttle began to malfunction on Lap 89. His car lost speed almost instantly, and the frustration in his voice carried over team radio. Moments later, he told his crew he had no fuel pressure, forcing an unscheduled pit stop on Lap 98 for repairs.

The incident came to light via a post by NASCAR reporter Dustin Albino on X . Albino shared a quote from Wallace’s team radio where the driver shouted,

“It’s got half f***** power. It’s unacceptable. So many f****** problems with this shit.”*

The issue dropped Bubba Wallace to 38th place, the back of the field, ending any chance of a strong finish in the season finale. He wasn’t the only Toyota driver to face issues. John Hunter Nemechek spun on Lap 73, Denny Hamlin had a clutch problem, and Chase Briscoe had a tire failure.

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Bubba Wallace said he doesn’t care about lawsuit drama, only racing and family

Before the race at Phoenix, Bubba Wallace spoke with NASCAR analyst Matt Weaver about his focus heading into the finale and the ongoing legal fight between 23XI Racing and NASCAR.

The tension began in October 2024 when 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports refused to sign the new NASCAR charter agreement. Both teams later filed an antitrust lawsuit against the sport’s governing body and CEO Jim France, accusing them of running a monopoly that limits team independence.

When asked about it, Bubba Wallace made it clear he isn’t interested in off-track issues. Quoted by Matt Weaver, Wallace said,

“Honestly, they send out talking points every week, and I never read them because I can honestly tell you I could give two shits. That’s it. And y’all can call me crazy for not giving a damn about my future, but why are you worried about what’s down the road when you can’t even focus on what’s right in front of ya?”

23XI Racing driver added that his main priorities are racing and family.

“That’s the one I’m focused on right now. Whether that is taking care of my kid or going out to qualify here... I genuinely don’t give a damn,” Wallace said.

While team co-owner Denny Hamlin is heavily involved in the lawsuit, Bubba Wallace prefers to keep his attention on performance inside the car.

Wallace qualified 23rd for the Phoenix race with a lap time of 27.219 seconds. He had reached the playoffs earlier in the season but was eliminated before the Round of 8.

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Edited by Tushhita Barua