NASCAR investigation an incident involving Bubba Wallace during last weekend’s All-Star race when an unidentified person hacked into his team’s radio and shouted a derogatory statement, a spokesperson confirmed Wednesday.
NASCAR spokesman Mike Forde told The Associated Press that an investigation into the incident was launched after reports emerged that someone outside the 23XI racing team accessed the radio.
Toyota #23 Columbia Sportswear Company driver Bubba Wallace walks onstage during driver introductions prior to the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 21, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
“Go back where you came from, a hole,” the person said, according to Motorsport.com. “You’re not wanted in NASCAR.”
BUBBA WALLACE FACES NO DISCIPLINE FROM NASCAR TO RETURN BIRD DURING POST-RACE INTERVIEW: REPORTS
Forde said security and racing electronics teams are probing the hack to see how it was done and how to prevent a similar situation from happening in the future.
“We certainly take this seriously, there’s no doubt about that,” he said. “But we can’t let the fans interfere with team radio and the potential implications of the competition.”
Bubba Wallace, #1 TRICON Garage Pristine Auction Toyota, looks on prior to the Saturday afternoon NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Tyson 250 race May 20, 2023 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Wallace’s second place in the Star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway was overshadowed by controversy.
In addition to radio piracy, Wallace was booed during his introduction to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series earlier in the weekend and caused a stir on social media after appearing to raise his middle finger during a post-race interview after the All-Star race.
Bubba Wallace, #23 23XI Racing Columbia Sportswear Company Toyota, during Sunday Night’s NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race May 21, 2023 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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According to FOX Sports, NASCAR would not discipline Wallace after it was discovered he was gesturing towards a friend.
Wallace continues his good season with 23XI Racing.
He’s 15th in points and should make the playoffs if he keeps up his pace. A win would certainly help his chances. The Coke 600 is this weekend and Wallace finished 14th in Charlotte last season.
Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.
