Tensions Boil Over: Suarez Vents Frustration at Wallace During Clash Break
The layout of the Coliseum might be small, but the tempers are larger than life. During the halfway break of the Cook Out Clash, Daniel Suarez let his team know exactly how he felt about the racing etiquette, or lack thereof, displayed by his competitors.
The driver of the No. 99 Chevrolet keyed his microphone after the first 100 laps and unloaded a verbal barrage directed squarely at Bubba Wallace. The frustration wasn’t limited to the 23XI Racing driver. Suarez also had choice words for his former teammate, Shane van Gisbergen.
The High-Stakes Restart That Changed Everything
The tight quarters of the quarter-mile track often lead to bruised fenders, but Suarez made it clear he felt the aggression had crossed the line from hard racing to disrespect. Audio from the team scanner captured the outburst, underscoring the mounting pressure on this exhibition event. Drivers are knocking the rust off for the 2026 season, and patience is clearly in short supply.
Suarez felt he was being used up on the restarts and wasn’t shy about demanding his spot on the track. When you have cars bumping through every corner, the line between a racing incident and a deliberate move blurs, and the No. 99 driver evidently felt he was on the receiving end of the latter.
Qualifying Results and Strong Contenders
While the drama heats up in the pack, the front of the field saw blistering speed earlier in the day. Kyle Larson set the pace, leading the field to green, while Josh Berry fought his way in through the Last Chance Qualifier. Here is the rundown of who showed significant speed and the qualifying positioning entering the main event:
- Kyle Larson – Pole Position (Set the fastest lap in practice)
- William Byron – Outside Pole
- Bubba Wallace – Starting P3 (Aggressive early speed)
- Daniel Suarez – Starting P8 (Running strong despite traffic)
- Josh Berry – LCQ Winner (Transferred with dominant speed)
Keep an eye on Larson and Byron. They have the cleanest air, but with Suarez driving angrily in the middle of the pack, the complexion of this race could change instantly if bumpers start getting used in turns 3 and 4.
What This Means for the No. 99 Team
This outburst isn’t just about one race. It signals a shift in mindset for Suarez. Entering a pivotal year, he is establishing early boundaries. By publicly calling out Wallace and Shane van Gisbergen on the radio, he is putting the garage on notice that he won’t be pushed around this season.
It shows fire. It shows passion. However, it also introduces a distraction. The crew chief now has to manage a driver who is driving with a red mist. That can lead to mistakes or to a checkered flag.
What’s Next
The 2026 season is barely hours old, and we already have our first legitimate rivalry brewing. Daniel Suarez has drawn a line in the sand. Whether Bubba Wallace or Shane van Gisbergen chooses to respect it or drive right over it remains the biggest storyline to watch as the laps wind down in Los Angeles.
