Bubba Wallace saw his practice session end early after a crash at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday. The incident came during Group 1 for the NASCAR race, the Würth 400. Wallace was driving the No. 23 Toyota for 23XI Racing when the car spun in Turns 1 and 2 and hit the outside wall. The crash damaged the rear and left front of the car.
Wallace had completed 21 laps before the incident. He had posted the fifth-fastest lap in his group at 188.081 mph. The team will now use a backup car. Wallace will miss qualifying and start from the rear for Sunday’s NASCAR race at Texas Motor Speedway.
Bubba Wallace’s crash at Texas Motor Speedway Ends Strong NASCAR Practice Run
Bubba Wallace showed speed before the Bubba Wallace crash changed the session. He ran inside the top five in his group before losing control. The car stepped out as he entered the corner and snapped loose. The impact forced 23XI Racing to stop the session and assess damage. Wallace said the track caused the issue.
“This is Texas, it’s treacherous. I was wondering if I got too high, and it looks like I had a decent arch, and felt a little loose, but then it just came around so far.”
The Bubba Wallace crash at Texas Motor Speedway ended a session that showed a competitive pace for the NASCAR race weekend.
23XI Racing Faces Backup Car Challenge After Bubba Wallace Crash
The Bubba Wallace crash at Texas Motor Speedway forced 23XI Racing to prepare a backup car before the NASCAR race. The damage to the primary car meant the team could not repair it in time. Wallace acknowledged the added workload for his crew.
“Unfortunate. Our guys have had a really long week getting this Chumba Casino Camry ready, and now I just gave them an even longer day today. We’ve got the best group in the garage and (we’ll) work hard tonight and put on a show tomorrow.”
Wallace will start at the rear along with Austin Dillon, who also drops back after an engine change. The NASCAR race at Texas Motor Speedway will test how quickly the team can adapt.
Texas Motor Speedway Demands Precision as NASCAR Race Approaches
Texas Motor Speedway continues to challenge drivers during every NASCAR race weekend. The 1.5-mile track requires control at high speed, especially through Turns 1 and 2. Wallace described how quickly the situation changed.
“It just came around out of nowhere. Surprised me. I knew I was loose in the moment, corrected and it was too late. Hate it. Thought we had some decent speed in our Chumba Casino Camry. Long Saturday. It’s going to make for a good Sunday, though.”
Wallace was checked and released from the infield care center without injuries. William Byron posted the fastest overall practice time, while Tyler Reddick and other Toyota drivers also showed speed ahead of the NASCAR race.
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