In a seismic shock to the NASCAR world, former driver and commentator Danica Patrick has emerged as the leading voice for nine NASCAR teams in a controversial lawsuit demanding the permanent ban of driver Bubba Wallace from the sport. Filed in July 2025, the lawsuit accuses Wallace of fostering division and alleges that his behavior, both on and off the track, has damaged NASCAR’s reputation. Patrick’s scathing remark—“He speaks as if every race owes him an apology”—has ignited a firestorm, putting unprecedented pressure on NASCAR CEO Ben Kennedy to make an immediate decision. The saga, unfolding in courtrooms and across social media, threatens to reshape the sport’s future.
The lawsuit, spearheaded by Patrick and backed by teams including Stewart-Haas Racing and Team Penske, claims Wallace’s actions have created a toxic environment. Court documents cite his outspoken advocacy for racial equality, particularly his 2020 push to ban the Confederate flag, as polarizing. “Wallace’s rhetoric alienates fans and undermines the sport’s unity,” the filing argues, pointing to incidents like his $50,000 fine for bumping Alex Bowman’s car in Chicago in 2025 and a physical altercation with Aric Almirola. The plaintiffs assert that Wallace’s behavior, coupled with his public statements, paints NASCAR as divisive, costing the sport sponsors and viewership.
Patrick, who retired from racing in 2018 but remains a prominent NASCAR figure, has leaned heavily into her conservative platform since declaring herself “red pilled” in 2024. Her involvement in the lawsuit has drawn both praise and backlash. Supporters, including conservative commentators on X, hailed her as a “truth-teller,” with one post stating, “Danica’s calling out Wallace’s victim card—NASCAR needs to act!” garnering 120,000 likes. Critics, however, accused her of targeting Wallace for personal and political reasons, noting her own history of fines and on-track incidents. A Newsweek article questioned whether Patrick’s comments were “a calculated move to boost her media career.”
Wallace, the only full-time Black driver in the Cup Series, has faced scrutiny since his 2020 role in NASCAR’s Confederate flag ban. The lawsuit references this, along with a debunked 2025 social media claim that Wallace sought to ban the white flag signaling the final lap, falsely linking it to Confederate symbolism. Though Lead Stories clarified the rumor as satire, the plaintiffs argue it reflects Wallace’s “pattern of inflammatory behavior.” They also cite his 2022 suspension for an incident with Kyle Larson and fan backlash, including boos at Bristol in 2024, as evidence of his polarizing presence.
The lawsuit’s most explosive claim is that Wallace’s actions have cost NASCAR financially. The teams allege a 7% viewership drop since 2020, attributing it partly to fan alienation over Wallace’s activism. They demand his immediate removal, arguing that his presence threatens the sport’s economic stability. NASCAR’s response has been cautious. CEO Ben Kennedy, in a July 2025 statement, said, “We’re reviewing the claims but remain committed to inclusivity.” Insiders report Kennedy is under pressure, with some teams threatening to withhold chartered entries if no action is taken.
Wallace’s team, 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, fired back, calling the lawsuit “baseless” and “discriminatory.” They pointed to Wallace’s 2025 Brickyard 400 win, ending a 100-race drought, as proof of his value. “Bubba’s a champion who’s overcome hate to succeed,” Hamlin said on X, earning 90,000 likes. Wallace himself addressed the controversy on Fox News Digital, saying, “I race to win, not to divide. This is about more than me—it’s about the sport’s soul.” His supporters, including drivers like Tyler Reddick, rallied with #StandWithBubba, trending for days.
The legal battle has exposed deep rifts in NASCAR. Fans on Reddit debated Wallace’s impact, with one user writing, “He’s a solid driver, but his activism makes him a lightning rod.” Others defended him, noting his stats—two Cup wins and consistent top-15 finishes—surpass Patrick’s record. A Sportskeeda report highlighted the irony, recalling Patrick’s own struggles with fan criticism and her 2015 comment calling NASCAR fines “boat money.” Critics argue the lawsuit reflects broader resistance to NASCAR’s diversity efforts, with one X post stating, “This isn’t about Wallace—it’s about keeping NASCAR’s old guard happy.”
Patrick’s role has drawn particular scrutiny. Her 2025 comments calling Wallace “unworthy” of champion status led to her removal from NASCAR commentary, a decision she later called “shameful” on her podcast. Her lawsuit involvement has fueled speculation of a vendetta, especially after a 2023 incident where Wallace was accused of inappropriately touching her during a Fox interview. Though fans clarified he was adjusting her microphone, the moment resurfaced in court filings, adding fuel to the narrative. The Athletic noted that Patrick’s conservative shift, including her appearance in a “MAGA dress” at a 2024 Trump event, has made her a polarizing figure herself.