An alleged physical altercation between two of the top stars in the racing world has resulted in an indefinite suspension for one of them.
NASCAR drivers Aric Almirola and Bubba Wallace were involved in an alleged physical altercation last month, ahead of the Xfinity Series race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25. Citing multiple sources, The Athletic reported that Almirola, 40, was removed from the No. 20 car by Joe Gibbs Racing and suspended indefinitely for being seen as 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 that the move was a “team decision.”
Representatives for Joe Gibbs Racing and management for Bubba Wallace did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Currently, the reason for the alleged altercation between the two is still unknown and Almirola’s suspension is set to end just in time for the Xfinity race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 20, The Athletic reported.
Almirola retired from full-time Cup Series competition at the end of the 2023 season and returned to racing part-time with Joe Gibbs Racing and has been with Stewart-Haas Racing for six seasons, according to Yahoo! Sports. He was scheduled to participate in NASCAR’s No. 2 racing series this year.
Back 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 on social media by NASCAR, things escalated between them after they both got out of their cars and Wallace confronted Larson and shoved him several times before being separated by a racing official.
Wallace issued an apology on social media the next day. “I want to apologize for my actions on Sunday following the on-track incident with Kyle Larson and the No. 5 car,” he wrote.
“My behavior does not align with the core values that are shared by 23XI Racing and our partners, who have played a crucial role in my incredible journey to the top of this great sport,” Wallace continued.
