A notable incident in NASCAR has led to the suspension of veteran driver Aric Almirola from Joe Gibbs Racing following a “physical altercation” with Bubba Wallace, a driver for 23XI Racing.
This news was first reported by The Athletic on Thursday morning, highlighting a significant development within the racing community.
The conflict between Almirola and Wallace reportedly took place in late May during a routine competition meeting.
These meetings are common practice and often include drivers from Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and 23XI Racing, as both teams are supported by Toyota and share a close technical alliance. The exact details of what sparked the altercation remain unclear, but sources close to the situation have indicated that Almirola was seen as the instigator by his team, which led to his suspension.
The consequences of this altercation were immediate for Almirola, as he was removed from his scheduled participation in the Charlotte race, where he was set to compete in the No. 20 car.
His absence from the track was noted and linked directly to the incident with Wallace, underscoring the severity with which Joe Gibbs Racing addressed the situation.
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Despite this setback, it appears that Almirola’s time away from racing is coming to an end. He is expected to make his return at the upcoming July 20 Xfinity race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
This marks a significant moment for Almirola as he looks to reestablish his presence and continue his career, which spans over 15 seasons in the sport.
This incident has certainly stirred discussions within the NASCAR community, highlighting the intense pressures and competitive nature inherent in top-level racing. As Almirola prepares to return, all eyes will be on his performance and conduct, as he seeks to move past this episode and focus on his racing ambitions.
