Report: Aric Almirola suspended after alleged physical altercation with Bubba Wallace

An alleged physical altercation between two of the racing world’s top stars has led to the indefinite suspension of one of them.

NASCAR drivers Aric Almirola and Bubba Wallace were involved in an alleged physical altercation last month before the May 25 Xfinity Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Citing multiple sources, The Athletic reported that Almirola, 40, was removed from the No. 20 car of Joe Gibbs Racing and suspended indefinitely because he was considered the aggressor in the incident.

In response to Almirola’s suspension, Joe Gibbs Racing replaced him with Joe Gibbs’ grandson, Ty Gibbs. When asked why his grandson was racing instead of Almirola, Joe Gibbs told the outlet the move was a “team decision.”

Representatives for Joe Gibbs Racing and Bubba Wallace’s management did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

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The reason for the alleged altercation between the two is currently unknown, and Almirola’s suspension is expected to end in time for the July 20 Xfinity race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, The Athletic reported.

Almirola retired from full-time Cup Series competition at the end of the 2023 season and returned to Joe Gibbs Racing part-time. He has been with Stewart-Haas Racing for six seasons, according to Yahoo! Sports, and was scheduled to compete in NASCAR’s No. 2 series this year.

In 2022, Wallace was suspended due to an altercation with fellow racer Kyle Larson during the NASCAR playoffs when Wallace intentionally hit Larson’s vehicle. As seen in videos shared by NASCAR on social media, the situation between them escalated after they both got out of their cars and Wallace confronted Larson and pushed him several times before a race official separated him from him.

Wallace apologized the next day on social media. “I want to apologize for my behavior on Sunday following the on-track incident involving Kyle Larson and the No. 5 car,” he wrote.

“My conduct is not consistent with the core values ​​of 23XI Racing and our partners, who have played a critical role in my incredible journey to the top of this great sport,” Wallace continued.