“They don’t want me to get into the details”

Bubba Wallace and Aric Almirola were reportedly in a physical altercation during a Joe Gibbs Racing team meeting

Update: Bubba Wallace comments on the altercation (see below)

Aric Almirola retired from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition at the end of the 2023 season. He then signed a part-time deal with Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series for 2024.

However, Almirola has been absent from his Xfinity Series ride. At Charlotte, Almirola was expected to race the car but he was withdrawn. Ty Gibbs found out on Wednesday before the race that he would be the one in the car.

Rumors circled that Almirola had been fired from JGR. However, those rumors have been replaced by something else.

The Althletic reports that Aric Almirola and Bubba Wallace were involved in a physical altercation during a team meeting. 23XI Racing has a close alliance with JGR, team meetings are held as a group. Wallace drives for 23XI Racing.

The report further states that Almirola was suspended internally at JGR following the altercation.

“Who said that?” Wallace told FOX Sports when asked about the latest report.

Wallace was then asked if that was why Almirola wasn’t in the car, “No, we’ve had our disagreements before, but damn, that’s crazy.”

History between NASCAR drivers Bubba Wallace and Aric Almirola

The two drivers have a history. A little over a year ago, Almirola shoved Wallace on pit road during a red flag delay during the Coca-Cola 600.

Almirola has already run five NXS races in 2024. That includes a race win at Martinsville Speedway.

The team suspension could be lifted for Almirola to return on July 20 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Update: Bubba Wallace adds more details

On Saturday, Bubba Wallace commented further on the situation:

“They don’t want me to get into the details, keep some people’s images good,” Wallace told Bob Pockrass.

“I think I said enough at Charlotte last year. All in all, life is good for me. That s*** happened over a month ago and a lot of good has come my way and that’s what I’m focused on.”

He added, “So there you go. That’s the only question you’ll get.”