The Truth Behind The Rumor: Is Bubba Wallace Suing Danica Patrick? (And The Real NASCAR Legal Drama)

The question of whether NASCAR star Bubba Wallace is suing former driver and broadcaster Danica Patrick has exploded across social media and search engines, creating a whirlwind of confusion among racing fans. As of December 15, 2025, the short and definitive answer is no: there is no evidence, court filing, or credible news report to suggest that Bubba Wallace has initiated a lawsuit against Danica Patrick. The viral rumor appears to be a classic case of internet misinterpretation, conflating a minor on-camera moment with the very real, high-stakes legal battles that have recently rocked the NASCAR world.

This article will not only debunk the sensational claim but will pivot to the actual, consequential legal drama—the antitrust lawsuit involving Wallace's team, 23XI Racing, against NASCAR—which is the true source of all the recent "lawsuit" noise surrounding the driver. Understanding this distinction is key to following the current state of the sport and the careers of these two prominent figures.

Driver Profiles: Bubba Wallace and Danica Patrick

To understand the context of the controversy and the subsequent rumors, it is essential to know the background of the two key figures, both of whom have profoundly impacted American motorsports.

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Bubba Wallace (William Darrell Wallace Jr.)

• Born: October 8, 1993 (Age 32 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Mobile, Alabama
• Career Status: Full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver.
• Team: 23XI Racing (Car No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE)
• Team Ownership: Co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin.
• Career Highlights: Became the first Black driver to win a Cup Series race since Wendell Scott in 1963; a vocal advocate for social justice and diversity in motorsports.
• Current Standing: A consistent playoff contender, currently in his eighth full-time season in the Cup Series.

Danica Patrick (Danica Sue Patrick)

• Born: March 25, 1982 (Age 43 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Beloit, Wisconsin
• Career Status: Retired professional racing driver, current media personality, and entrepreneur.
• Racing History: Competed in the IndyCar Series (2005–2011) and the NASCAR Cup Series (2012–2018).
• Career Highlights: The first woman to win an IndyCar Series race (2008 Indy Japan 300); the first woman to win a pole position in the NASCAR Cup Series (2013 Daytona 500).
• Current Ventures: Host of the "Pretty Intense" podcast, author, and owner of the Somnium wine label. She frequently appears as an analyst and commentator for NASCAR broadcasts.

Debunking the Myth: The Origin of the Wallace-Patrick Lawsuit Rumor

The entire basis for the "Bubba Wallace suing Danica Patrick" query can be traced back to a single, brief on-camera moment that occurred during a NASCAR race broadcast.

The "Awkward Interaction" That Went Viral

The incident took place during a pre-race interview on the FOX broadcast, where Danica Patrick was serving as an analyst alongside Chris Myers and Clint Bowyer.

As the interview concluded, Wallace, in a seemingly friendly or casual gesture, was seen to briefly touch or pat Patrick on the back near her shoulder blade area.

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The gesture was quick, but the camera captured the moment, and it immediately went viral online. Fans speculated wildly about what Wallace was doing, with some suggesting he was repositioning a wireless microphone pack or simply giving a friendly pat.

Despite the mundane nature of the likely explanation, the clip was shared thousands of times, with dramatic captions and clickbait headlines suggesting everything from a physical confrontation to a deeply inappropriate exchange. This viral sensation, combined with the general public's knowledge of other legal issues in NASCAR, appears to have mutated into the entirely false "lawsuit" rumor.

Crucially, neither Bubba Wallace nor Danica Patrick has ever publicly acknowledged, let alone filed, any legal action against the other regarding this or any other incident.

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The Real Legal Battle: 23XI Racing’s Antitrust Lawsuit Against NASCAR

The persistent search queries about a "Bubba Wallace lawsuit" are almost certainly a case of mistaken identity, confusing the driver with the actual, highly significant legal action taken by his team, 23XI Racing. This lawsuit was not only real but represented a seismic shift in the power dynamics of the sport, dominating headlines throughout late 2024 and early 2025.

The Charter Agreement Dispute

The core of the litigation stemmed from the ongoing negotiations between NASCAR and its team owners over the new 2025 Charter Agreement.

A "Charter" in NASCAR is essentially a franchise agreement that guarantees a team a spot in every race and a share of the sport's revenue. Teams without Charters must qualify weekly, severely limiting their financial stability and long-term value.

23XI Racing (co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin) and Front Row Motorsports declined to sign NASCAR's proposed 2025 Charter Agreement, alleging that the terms were anti-competitive and financially detrimental to the teams.

The Antitrust Claims and Settlement

In a landmark move, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR. The lawsuit alleged that NASCAR was using its dominant position (monopsony status) to financially damage the teams and restrict competition in the marketplace.

The litigation proceeded to trial, creating massive uncertainty for the future of the teams, including Bubba Wallace's No. 23 car, which faced the prospect of losing its guaranteed spot in the Cup Series.

However, the legal drama concluded abruptly when NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports reached a settlement. The joint statement confirmed an end to the federal antitrust case, which was settled on its ninth day of trial.

While the specific terms of the settlement were not publicly disclosed, the resolution was considered a victory for the teams, securing their long-term financial stability and likely leading to more favorable terms in the eventual 2025 Charter Agreement. This settlement ensures that Bubba Wallace's career with 23XI Racing remains secure and on track for the foreseeable future.

The Impact of Rumors and Realities on NASCAR’s Top Stars

The stark difference between the sensational, unfounded rumor about Danica Patrick and the genuine, complex antitrust lawsuit highlights a critical aspect of modern sports media: the conflation of celebrity gossip with serious business news. The confusion surrounding the "lawsuit" is a perfect example of how a minor, ambiguous gesture can overshadow a major, industry-defining legal battle.

Bubba Wallace and Danica Patrick, as two of the most recognizable and polarizing figures in NASCAR history, are constant magnets for media attention and speculation. Wallace, in particular, continues to be a central figure in the sport, not just for his driving but for his team's involvement in the push for a more equitable financial structure in NASCAR.

While the question "is Bubba Wallace suing Danica Patrick" is easily answered with a firm "No," the *actual* legal fight involving 23XI Racing is a far more important story. It directly impacts the financial health of the teams, the structure of the Cup Series, and the long-term stability of drivers like Wallace.

In summary, fans can rest assured that there is no personal legal feud between the two drivers. The real drama was settled in the courtroom, securing the future of one of NASCAR’s newest and most successful teams.