“NASCAR Civil War?”—Bubba Wallace Targeted in Lawsuit by 9 Teams in Shocking Attempt to Get Him Banned

A LAWSUIT THAT STUNNED THE SPORT AND SPLIT THE FANS

What was meant to be a routine Wednesday morning in the world of NASCAR was shattered when news broke that nine teams—yes, nine—had jointly filed a lawsuit in Mecklenburg County Superior Court calling for the permanent banning of Bubba Wallace from the sport. While legal filings in NASCAR are not unheard of, this one is unprecedented in both scope and tone. The lawsuit, which quickly became public thanks to a media leak, directly accuses Wallace of undermining team dynamics, disrespecting the sport’s traditions, and—most infamously—claiming that he “whines like a woman,” a phrase now echoing with controversy across the racing world. The inclusion of that particular quote has instantly polarized the community, leading many to question not only the lawsuit’s legitimacy but also its deeper motivations.

For many fans, this isn’t just about a driver; it’s a referendum on the identity of the sport itself. Bubba Wallace has always carried a heavier burden than most of his peers—not only is he the only full-time Black driver in NASCAR’s Cup Series, but he’s also emerged as one of the most visible and outspoken voices on issues far beyond the track. His rise from the Xfinity Series to driving for 23XI Racing, a team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, marked a cultural shift. But with progress comes resistance. And now, it appears that resistance has been weaponized.

The lawsuit outlines a detailed account of Wallace’s alleged behavior, listing over 20 incidents dating back to early 2022. Some are well-documented—like his confrontation with Kyle Larson at Las Vegas—but others appear to be rooted in private team grievances and anonymous testimonies. Among the claims are allegations of repeated radio outbursts, disrespect toward officials, and behind-the-scenes disputes with sponsors and rival pit crews. Most of these have never been made public until now. Whether the allegations will hold up in court is still unknown. But the damage to Wallace’s reputation—and NASCAR’s image—has already begun.

WHO’S BEHIND IT, AND WHY NOW?

What makes this entire situation even more incendiary is the list of plaintiffs. While not all nine teams have been named publicly, several are believed to be multi-car legacy organizations with strong influence in the Cup Series hierarchy. Sources indicate that three of the teams are among the top ten in current season standings, and at least one has a long-standing feud with Wallace stretching back to the COVID-era “noose incident” at Talladega, which remains a flashpoint in NASCAR’s recent history. While Wallace was cleared of any wrongdoing and NASCAR stood behind him during that episode, not everyone in the garage agreed with how the matter was handled. Some believed Wallace received “preferential protection” from NASCAR leadership, and that incident became a quiet wedge that has now burst into open warfare.

But why now?

Multiple sources inside the NASCAR paddock point to mounting tension behind the scenes. Wallace has been more visible than ever, featuring in advertising campaigns, late-night talk shows, and endorsement deals. His recent collaboration with Columbia Sportswear and appearances alongside Jordan Brand representatives have elevated his profile beyond the racetrack, making him both a media darling and, to some, a political lightning rod. Insiders suggest that certain team owners and drivers feel Wallace has “outgrown the sport”—in their eyes, using NASCAR as a platform while disrupting its culture.

This lawsuit, they say, is an attempt to push back against that influence. To “restore order” in a sport they believe is slipping away from its roots. And they’ve chosen the most aggressive path possible to do it.

BEN KENNEDY’S IMPOSSIBLE DECISION

Now the pressure falls squarely on the shoulders of NASCAR CEO Ben Kennedy, a young and modern-thinking executive who has tried to steer NASCAR into a more progressive future. But this lawsuit presents Kennedy with his most serious challenge to date. If he supports Wallace publicly, he risks alienating a bloc of powerful teams. If he condemns the lawsuit too harshly, he could trigger legal backlash. And if he does nothing, he’s seen as weak at a time when strong leadership is desperately needed.

Sources close to NASCAR’s executive office say Kennedy was “visibly shaken” after reviewing the language used in the lawsuit. He reportedly held a private video conference with Wallace’s representatives, as well as key sponsors including McDonald’s and DoorDash, who are now closely monitoring how the league responds. At least two of Wallace’s sponsors are believed to be preparing statements of their own and may reconsider their future involvement in NASCAR if the league doesn’t denounce the personal attacks embedded in the filing.

To make matters worse, several of the lawsuit’s signatories are believed to be working behind the scenes to rally other teams to join their cause. What began as a legal filing could soon transform into a power play—a political showdown between the sport’s traditional gatekeepers and its new generation.

Kennedy is now reportedly considering an emergency summit with all Cup Series team owners, to be held in Charlotte, with the intention of de-escalating tensions before they spill into the media even further. But time is running out. With the playoffs approaching and media scrutiny intensifying, NASCAR cannot afford silence—or indecision.

THE BACKLASH AND THE BATTLE FOR NASCAR’S FUTURE

Unsurprisingly, fan reaction has been volcanic. Within minutes of the news breaking, hashtags like #IStandWithBubba, #BanTheBigots, and #NASCARDivide began trending on social media. Wallace’s fans have come out in full force, blasting the lawsuit as a targeted character assassination and a desperate attempt by out-of-touch teams to stop a driver they couldn’t beat on the track.

Support for Wallace has poured in from current and former drivers, athletes in other sports, and media figures. NBA stars have spoken up. Journalists have penned op-eds. The narrative that Wallace is being punished not for what he’s done but for what he represents is gaining traction by the hour. Even outside of motorsports, civil rights organizations have started weighing in, citing the sexist and racial undertones in the lawsuit’s language. The phrase “he whines like a woman” has become symbolic of a deeper, more toxic culture still lurking in the sport’s shadows.

Yet not all fans are aligned. Wallace remains a divisive figure for a portion of NASCAR’s base—those who feel the sport has moved too far, too fast. They argue that he’s been shielded from consequences, protected by sponsors, and elevated by media bias. Some have applauded the lawsuit as a necessary check on his growing influence. But even among those critics, many are uncomfortable with how the lawsuit was worded. As one anonymous Cup Series driver put it: “If you have a problem with Bubba, fine. But do it like a professional. That lawsuit made the whole garage look petty—and worse.”

THE ROAD AHEAD: LEGAL FIGHTS, PUBLIC PRESSURE, AND AN UNCERTAIN SEASON

So what happens next?

The court process will unfold slowly, likely over many months. Wallace and his legal team are expected to file a counter-motion to dismiss, citing lack of evidentiary support and targeting the inflammatory language used in the complaint. But the real fight won’t be in courtrooms—it will be in headlines, on pit road, and in sponsor boardrooms.

Behind the scenes, Wallace is said to be “calm but focused” and intends to speak publicly within the week. Sources say he is considering a press conference in Daytona ahead of the next race, where he may address not only the lawsuit but also his broader role in the sport. Some speculate he might call out specific team owners behind the complaint. Others believe he may announce new partnerships aimed at building youth diversity programs in NASCAR—a signal that he’s not backing down.

Meanwhile, NASCAR will continue its internal review. But unless Kennedy and his executive board make a bold, public statement soon, the league risks being overtaken by the narrative. The headlines are writing themselves, and most of them aren’t flattering. “Bubba Wallace Targeted,” “Teams Try to Silence Star Driver,” “NASCAR in Crisis.”

One thing is clear: this lawsuit is not the end—it’s the beginning of a war. A war between generations. Between values. Between who NASCAR was and who it wants to be. And in the center of it all stands Bubba Wallace—not just as a driver, but as a symbol. One side sees him as the future. The other wants him gone.

The sport cannot remain neutral.

Because no matter what the court decides, NASCAR has already been changed.