In a move that has reignited controversy within the NASCAR world, former racing star Danica Patrick has officially filed a petition urging NASCAR to strip Bubba Wallace of his Brickyard 400 championship title. The petition, submitted earlier this week, alleges that Wallace’s victory was tainted by unfair advantages and rule violations. Even more explosive is the fact that Patrick claims to have two pieces of highly convincing evidence that, according to her, prove Wallace’s win was not legitimate.
The petition has sparked outrage, disbelief, and fierce debate across NASCAR circles, with fans and fellow drivers taking strong stances on both sides of the issue.
The Petition: “He Doesn’t Deserve It”
Danica Patrick, one of the most recognizable names in motorsports history and a former competitor in both NASCAR and IndyCar, stated in her petition that Bubba Wallace’s performance during the Brickyard 400 “did not reflect fair racing standards” and “undermines the credibility of the sport.”
“This isn’t personal,” Patrick wrote. “It’s about protecting the integrity of NASCAR. We’ve reached a point where rules are being bent, ignored, or manipulated — and the fans can see it.”
She emphasized that her motivation stems from a desire to uphold fairness, especially in a sport that has seen increasing scrutiny over officiating, car inspections, and enforcement consistency.
While Patrick did not publicly disclose the full extent of the evidence in her petition, she hinted at two specific items:
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Telemetry data from Wallace’s car that allegedly shows suspicious throttle and braking patterns.
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Footage from an internal pit camera that she claims proves the team made illegal adjustments during a late-race stop.
If proven accurate, both pieces of evidence could indeed raise questions about the legality of Wallace’s race-day strategy.
NASCAR’s Response: “We Are Reviewing the Materials”
NASCAR officials confirmed receipt of the petition and said that the governing body is currently reviewing the submitted evidence.
“We take all formal challenges seriously,” said NASCAR spokesperson Michael Weathers. “Our competition committee will evaluate the materials, consult technical experts, and determine whether further action is warranted.”
However, he cautioned that “no conclusions have been reached,” and as of now, Bubba Wallace remains the official winner of the Brickyard 400.
The final decision could take several weeks as the league’s rule enforcement team completes its review.
Bubba Wallace’s Camp Responds: “This Is a Smear Campaign”
Wallace’s team, 23XI Racing — co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin — responded swiftly to the petition, calling it “a calculated attempt to discredit a hard-earned victory.”
“Bubba raced clean. The car passed post-race inspection. The win was legitimate,” said team principal Denny Hamlin in a press release. “This is nothing more than a public stunt aimed at undermining a historic moment.”
Wallace himself has remained relatively quiet but posted a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter):
“Truth doesn’t need to yell. It just lasts.”
The post was met with a mix of support and criticism, as tensions within the fanbase continue to mount.
Fan Reactions: A Sport Divided
As expected, the NASCAR fanbase has erupted with opinions. On social media, some fans are applauding Patrick for “speaking out” and taking a stand for fairness, while others are accusing her of “jealousy” or “desperation for attention.”
“Danica never won a Cup race, and now she’s trying to tear someone else down,” wrote one fan on Reddit.
“If there’s real evidence, we should at least hear it out. The sport deserves accountability,” countered another.
Analysts and commentators are also weighing in. ESPN’s Marty Smith called the move “highly unusual and deeply controversial,” noting that it’s rare for a retired driver to formally challenge an active champion.
“It adds fuel to an already blazing fire of scrutiny around Bubba Wallace,” Smith said.
The Bigger Picture
This latest controversy comes amid a turbulent season for Wallace, who has faced heightened scrutiny, both on and off the track. His outspoken personality and willingness to tackle social issues have made him a polarizing figure in the sport — celebrated by many, criticized by others.
Meanwhile, Danica Patrick has maintained a high media profile since retiring, serving as a race commentator, podcast host, and entrepreneur. This bold petition may mark her most public re-entry into the NASCAR spotlight since her departure from competition.
What’s Next?
NASCAR is expected to release a statement within the next two weeks regarding the status of the petition and whether an official investigation will be launched. If the evidence is deemed substantial, Wallace could face a fine, disqualification, or loss of the title — although such actions are exceedingly rare at the Cup Series level.
Until then, the motorsports world waits, divided and on edge.
Conclusion:
Whether this is the start of a major scandal or a case of misplaced accusations remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: NASCAR’s integrity is once again under the microscope — and the outcome of this battle between a retired star and a current champion may shape the narrative of the sport for years to come.
