Tensions between Bubba Wallace and Carson Hocevar escalated Sunday during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway, leading to a major crash late in the race. The incident occurred with 77 laps remaining and brought out multiple cars, changing the outcome for several drivers.
The wreck followed a restart where both drivers battled for position in tight traffic. Cup Series racing at Martinsville often brings close contact, but this moment quickly became one of the day’s biggest incidents. Wallace later spoke about the contact after being checked and released from the infield care center.
Bubba Wallace Explains NASCAR Cup Series Contact with Carson Hocevar
The incident began on Lap 324 during a Cup Series restart. Hocevar, driving the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, entered Turn 1 in a three-wide situation. Wallace, in the No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota, followed closely behind.
As the cars moved through the corner, Wallace made contact with Hocevar. The No. 77 car spun after contact with the left-rear quarter panel, and both drivers hit the wall. The crash triggered a chain reaction that involved several other NASCAR Cup Series drivers.
Wallace said the contact was not intentional.
“I didn’t appreciate the three-wide into Turn 1, which is fine,” he said. “Then I misjudged the center of the corner, but I didn’t mean to turn him.”
The incident ended Wallace’s race and brought out a caution that slowed the NASCAR Cup Series field.
Multi-Car Wreck Impacts NASCAR Cup Series Field
The crash collected several drivers, including Austin Dillon, Daniel Suárez, Chris Buescher, Austin Hill, Riley Herbst, Zane Smith, John Hunter Nemechek, Erik Jones, Michael McDowell, and Connor Zilisch.
The Cup Series race saw heavy damage to multiple cars, forcing several drivers out of contention. Hocevar continued after repairs and finished 17th, while Wallace did not return to the race.
Hocevar reacted on the team radio after the incident.
“I just tried not to run over him. Got destroyed. That’s frustrating,” he said.
His crew chief responded during the NASCAR Cup Series race.
“You caught him sleeping, he left it open. Then he just ran over you — he lost his mind.”
NASCAR Cup Series Rivalry Continues after Martinsville Incident
The contact adds to previous incidents between Wallace and Hocevar earlier in the NASCAR Cup Series season. The two drivers had earlier contact during the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium and other races, building tension between them.
During the broadcast, analysts shared their views on the NASCAR Cup Series incident. Clint Bowyer said the move looked intentional.
NASCAR has not announced any penalties following the incident. The Cup Series season continues on April 12 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
NASCAR Cup Series: Bubba Wallace Breaks Silence on Martinsville Speedway Wreck