Alex Bowman doesn’t want NASCAR to punish Bubba Wallace for Chicago incident: “He more than deserved it”

After the Grant Park 165 in Chicago on Sunday, tempers flared when Bubba Wallace intentionally collided with winner Alex Bowman during a cool-down lap, but Bowman apologized after the incident.

He even argues that NASCAR should not punish Wallace for the car accident.

Accordingly Jeff Gluck Bowman remained firm on that point with The Athletic late Sunday night, not wanting to see Wallace face disciplinary action for post-race conduct.

“He barely hit me, everything was fine and it was totally deserved,” Bowman said.

The winning driver also explained that he had already taken some steps to smooth things over with Bubba Wallace after He had previously ejected him in Phase 1That’s what Wallace was almost certainly excited about after the race.

“I’d be mad too. I ruined his day,” Bowman said. “I just messed up. I’ve been embarrassed ever since it happened. I tried to call him during the rain delay and I texted him.”

As for his commitment, Bowman will have to wait and see if NASCAR listens to him. Bubba Wallace will also likely be on tenterhooks.

As one of the drivers yet to win this season, he is in the thick of the playoff battle. Entering Sunday in Chicago, he was just 51 points behind Bowman, with Bowman within the playoff line and Wallace just outside.

NASCAR can strip drivers of points for behavioral issues. In fact, this happened just last week when Carson Hocevar Was 25 points deducted for the driver and $50,000 fine for violating the Code of Conduct for Members.

This incident was a little different because Hocevar intentionally hit Harrison Burton during the caution period rather than after the race. Still, it’s worth considering when weighing whether NASCAR might penalize Bubba Wallace or heed Bowman’s request.

NASCAR typically imposes post-race penalties on Tuesday night, and the organization has already confirmed It will investigate the collision between Wallace and Bowman for a possible penalty.