MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Bubba Wallace hasn’t let his friend Scott McLaughlin forget about last year’s Indianapolis 500 spin.
Wallace told FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass this week that he still gives the Team Penske IndyCar driver grief over the mishap, proof that even elite racers aren’t safe from friendly fire. The two share a close bond away from the national spotlight and regularly spend summer nights racing Legend Cars at Charlotte Motor Speedway, trading paint — and jokes — in equal measure.
Wallace, who delivered one of the biggest moments of his career with a victory in last year’s Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, understands how thin the margin is at 200-plus mph. McLaughlin’s spin at the Indy 500 was a reminder of how unforgiving open-wheel racing can be, even for a proven winner in the NTT IndyCar Series.
The banter comes as NASCAR and IndyCar share the stage again this weekend in a rare doubleheader showcase, further highlighting the crossover camaraderie between drivers in both garages. Wallace competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for 23XI Racing, while McLaughlin continues to contend for wins in IndyCar — two high-level competitors who don’t mind keeping things light when the helmets come off.
Wallace made clear the teasing is all in good fun. When two drivers chase speed for a living, a little ribbing comes with the territory. And if McLaughlin finds Victory Lane soon, Wallace might have to find a new joke.
