Bubba Wallace Fires Shots at Kyle Larson After Texas Xfinity Series Replacement Announcement
Texas Motor Speedway – April 2025
A surprising driver swap ahead of this weekend’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Texas has ignited a war of words—this time between Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson. Larson, the Cup Series champion and Hendrick Motorsports star, has been tapped to replace 17-year-old Connor Zilisch, who was sidelined with a back injury earlier this week. But it wasn’t the substitution itself that caught headlines—it was Wallace’s fiery reaction to it.
When asked about Larson stepping in as Zilisch’s stand-in, Wallace didn’t mince words. “He’s only good when he’s filling in. Let’s not act like this is anything more than a backup gig,” Wallace said, sparking heated debate throughout the garage and online.
Larson, known for his dominance across multiple racing disciplines, has long been a polarizing figure—but Wallace’s blunt statement has stirred fresh controversy. Though Larson has not publicly responded, sources close to the driver say he’s focused solely on helping the team deliver a strong performance in Zilisch’s absence.
Zilisch, a highly regarded development prospect for Trackhouse Racing, was expected to compete in his first full-time Xfinity Series season in 2025. His injury came as a blow to the team, making Larson’s availability a fortunate option.
Still, Wallace’s comment has thrown fuel on an already simmering rivalry. Fans and analysts alike are now waiting to see if Larson will let his driving do the talking this weekend in Texas—and whether Wallace’s remarks will escalate into a larger feud.
With tensions rising and pride on the line, the Texas race may have gained more drama off the track than on it.
