The rumor exploding across social media in the lead-up to the 2026 Daytona 500 claims a bombshell: a secret lawsuit filed by Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson, and other prominent NASCAR drivers to permanently ban Bubba Wallace from the sport. According to viral posts, this “devastating blow” stems from leaked sensitive evidence tied to Wallace’s controversial past, supposedly forcing NASCAR into a landmark decision just days before the season’s biggest race. The narrative paints a picture of deep-seated resentment among top names, with Wallace’s history—often referenced vaguely as “controversial”—serving as the tipping point.
This story, however, appears to be entirely fabricated, a classic example of clickbait designed to inflame passions and drive engagement on platforms like Facebook. No credible reporting from established motorsports outlets—such as FOX Sports, Motorsport.com, Jayski’s NASCAR Silly Season Site, or official NASCAR channels—supports any such lawsuit involving Busch, Larson, or a group of drivers targeting Wallace personally. Searches for terms linking these drivers to legal action against Wallace yield only recirculated fake-news posts from low-credibility sites and social media pages known for sensational headlines.
Wallace remains an active, full-time competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series for 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. Recent developments show him preparing for the 2026 season opener at Daytona, with sponsorship expansions announced from partners like Xfinity and Robinhood. He participated in the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, where incidents occurred but nothing resembling a ban or removal effort surfaced. Odds lists for the 2026 Daytona 500 include Wallace as a contender at +1900, alongside favorites like Kyle Larson (+1400) and Kyle Busch (+2200), with no mention of eligibility issues.
The real legal drama in NASCAR recently centered on the antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR in October 2024. That case challenged aspects of the charter system, including revenue sharing, entry guarantees, and anti-collusion provisions in agreements. After months of filings, injunctions, appeals, and a trial in December 2025, the parties reached a settlement. Key outcomes included “evergreen” charters—permanent rather than time-limited—for all teams, reinstating 23XI’s charters and providing stability. Bubba Wallace addressed the resolution positively, noting it removed distractions and allowed focus on racing.
The settlement ended what could have reshaped NASCAR’s structure, but it had zero connection to individual driver bans or personal vendettas.
Wallace’s “controversial past” often gets weaponized in online discourse, frequently referencing the 2020 noose incident at Talladega Superspeedway. An FBI investigation concluded the rope had been in the garage stall since the previous fall as a pull-down cord, not a targeted hate crime. NASCAR initially responded strongly, but the findings clarified it as a misunderstanding. Other moments—like on-track clashes, radio frustrations (including a recent outburst during a fuel stop in an exhibition race), or accusations in wrecks—fuel criticism from some fans, but none have escalated to league-wide expulsion efforts or leaked “evidence” prompting action.
Busch and Larson, both championship-caliber drivers with strong personalities, have had their share of rivalries and public comments over the years. Busch, driving for Richard Childress Racing, has been vocal about team dynamics and contract status entering 2026 as another contract year. Larson, the defending series champion at Hendrick Motorsports, has focused on performance and new rule patches for 2026. Neither has publicly criticized Wallace in ways suggesting coordinated legal action. On-track history shows occasional contact—such as incidents in past races—but nothing indicating a conspiracy to oust him.
Busch and Larson, both championship-caliber drivers with strong personalities, have had their share of rivalries and public comments over the years. Busch, driving for Richard Childress Racing, has been vocal about team dynamics and contract status entering 2026 as another contract year. Larson, the defending series champion at Hendrick Motorsports, has focused on performance and new rule patches for 2026. Neither has publicly criticized Wallace in ways suggesting coordinated legal action. On-track history shows occasional contact—such as incidents in past races—but nothing indicating a conspiracy to oust him.
NASCAR’s environment thrives on drama, rivalries, and passionate fanbases, which makes fabricated stories like this particularly sticky. Pages posting these claims often link to dubious domains (e.g., dailynewtodays.com or presswave.news) that prioritize virality over accuracy. Similar hoaxes have circulated before, including false claims of Wallace’s departure, firings, or health issues, all debunked quickly by official sources.
As the Daytona 500 approaches on February 15, 2026, the focus remains on competition: defending champion William Byron, playoff standouts like Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney, and veterans like Denny Hamlin seeking his first 500 win. Wallace enters with momentum from recent performances and team stability post-settlement. The sport has moved past its major off-track legal hurdle, allowing drivers to concentrate on speed, strategy, and the thrill of superspeedway racing.
In an era where misinformation spreads faster than a restrictor-plate draft, this particular rumor serves as a reminder to verify before sharing. No secret lawsuit exists to remove Bubba Wallace. He’s racing at Daytona, and the real shocks—if any—will come from the green flag dropping, not fabricated headlines.
