Wallace says penalty was warranted

Bubba Wallace returned to NASCAR competition Saturday and said last week’s one-race suspension was difficult, but he recognizes that the penalty was warranted. Going forward, though, Wallace wants NASCAR to be consistent in officiating. Wallace was suspended one week under NASCAR’s behavioral policy for intentionally wrecking Kyle Larson, walking on a live track and then attempting to fight the reigning Cup champion. He missed last week’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway — which was won by Larson — and will return in Sunday’s race at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia. “‘Hey, I’m good with being the example if we can keep this consistent moving forward because it’s happened multiple times this year and it’s something that may continue to happen you know, for other drivers down the road.’” Wallace said he told top NASCAR officials. Wallace termed his discussion with NASCAR “a good conversation” and said he regrets putting himself, 23XI Racing and his sponsors in a bad light. “You have to think before you do,” he said.