NASCAR star admits Kyle Larson jealousy after tense Indy battle

When Bubba Wallace finally snapped that miserable NASCAR Cup Series losing streak in Indianapolis on Sunday, he couldn’t have found a better way.

It had been three long years and 100 races since the 31-year-old had last taken a trip to victory lane when he survived a late fuel scare to hold off superstar Kyle Larson to take the checkered flag.

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It has also been three years since Wallace and Larson were at the center of one of NASCAR’s biggest flashpoints in recent times. Wallace deliberately spun Larson in Las Vegas in a “dangerous act” of retaliation before confronting him afterwards, and received a one-race suspension.

This time, the pair were the big story again, but in much more wholesome circumstances, with Wallace silencing his doubters with an assured drive under massive pressure.

READ MORE: NASCAR icon will not congratulate Bubba Wallace for Indy win

Bubba Wallace on Kyle Larson

Wallace admitted it meant a lot when Larson congratulated him on the win, but he admits he is still jealous of the 2021 Cup Series champion for one very specific reason.

“Game recognizes game, and it’s a sign of respect. Like I said, I respect the hell out of what Larson does," Wallace told the media post-race. "I wish I had that talent."

While Wallace is jealous of the generational talent Larson possesses, he stresses he is not jealous of the success it has brought the 32-time Cup Series race winner.

“You can’t be jealous of someone else’s success," the 23XI star continued. "It happens quicker for others. You just have to trust the process and enjoy the journey.

“Yeah, I’ve got to work harder to get to where he’s at, and it’s days like this where you see it pay off. At the end of the day, when you go up and congratulate somebody, it’s just game recognizing game.”

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Cup Series standings - playoff picture

Sunday’s win also means Wallace will lock horns with Larson in postseason combat later this year - the victory assures the 23XI driver of a playoff berth. The standings after Indianapolis look like this:

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