In a heated and emotional post-race interview, Bubba Wallace didn’t hold back after a terrifying spinout during Sunday’s race at EchoPark Speedway. The 23XI Racing driver placed the blame squarely on a critical spotter error that nearly resulted in a catastrophic wreck — and he’s now calling on NASCAR to overhaul its safety protocols and communication standards.

The dramatic incident occurred on Lap 187 of the EchoPark 250, when Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota suddenly veered into the outside wall at high speed. Though he was able to walk away from the crash, his frustration was palpable as he emerged from the infield care center.

“This should never happen again,” Wallace said firmly. “What we just went through out there was 100% avoidable. It came down to a spotter not doing their job — plain and simple. We’re racing at 180 miles per hour, and we rely on communication to keep us safe. If that system breaks down, someone’s going to get seriously hurt — or worse.”

The Incident

The spinout unfolded during a high-intensity restart, with cars bunched together on the front stretch. Wallace, running in the top 10 at the time, was making a push on the inside when his car suddenly drifted into traffic. Replays showed that Wallace was attempting to slide into a lane that was already occupied — a mistake many believe could have been avoided with better guidance from the spotter’s perch.

Multiple drivers narrowly missed Wallace as his car spun across the track and slammed into the wall. The incident brought out the fifth caution of the race and sent shockwaves through the garage.

“I didn’t hear the clear signal,” Wallace explained. “I was waiting for my spotter to tell me if the lane was open, and there was radio silence. That half-second pause could’ve been the difference between a safe pass and a 200-thousand-dollar crash.”

Reactions from the Garage

Wallace’s outburst after the race was met with mixed reactions throughout the NASCAR paddock.

Some drivers and team members sympathized with Wallace, agreeing that spotter communication is an overlooked but crucial part of safety. “The spotter is the second set of eyes,” said veteran driver Brad Keselowski. “If they miss something, it can ruin your day — or your season.”

Others, however, felt Wallace’s criticism was too harsh and public. “Everyone makes mistakes,” said one anonymous crew chief. “Calling out your spotter on live TV probably isn’t the way to handle it.”

Still, many agreed that the incident highlighted growing concerns around communication breakdowns, particularly as race strategies become more aggressive in the playoff push.

Demanding NASCAR Reform

Wallace didn’t stop at criticizing his own team. He called on NASCAR leadership to address what he sees as a systemic flaw in the way spotter roles are trained and regulated.

“We need reform — not just in my team, but across the board. Spotters need better training, stricter standards, and accountability. It’s not enough to put a guy up in a tower with binoculars and hope for the best. We’re putting our lives in their hands.”

Wallace proposed a certification program for spotters, including mandatory re-training sessions and technology upgrades that could improve situational awareness.

While NASCAR has not issued a formal response to Wallace’s remarks, a spokesperson confirmed that the governing body is reviewing all in-race communications and data from the incident.

A Season on the Brink

The spinout adds another chapter to what has been an up-and-down season for Wallace. Though he’s shown speed and skill — with several top-10 finishes and a win earlier in the year — inconsistency and team errors have repeatedly derailed momentum.

Wallace now finds himself hovering near the playoff cutoff line, with just a handful of races remaining to lock in his championship hopes.

“I’m still locked in,” Wallace said. “I’m not going to let this take me out mentally. But changes need to be made — because if we don’t learn from this, it’s going to happen again. And next time, someone might not be lucky enough to walk away.”

Moving Forward

As the NASCAR world digests Wallace’s comments, the broader conversation about safety and communication is back in the spotlight. Spotters are an invisible but essential part of every race, and Sunday’s near-disaster is a stark reminder of just how vital their role can be.

For Wallace, the message is clear: speak up now, so that no one else has to suffer the consequences later.

“I’ve said what needed to be said,” he concluded. “Now let’s see if NASCAR has the guts to fix it.”