Bubba Wallace is taking the high road after a famous helmet artist -- who worked with Bubba in the past -- blasted the NASCAR driver on social media for bringing politics to the sport.
The artist is Jason Beam -- one of the top helmet designers in racing. He's worked with stars like Jimmie Johnson to Kyle Busch and more.
Beam's also pretty outspoken -- and when Richard Petty Motorsports announced they have officially named a new driver to take over the #43 car (now that Bubba has left the team), Beam went after Bubba publicly.
"RPM will actually have a wheelman behind the wheel and not a political statement looking for attention," Beam posted on Twitter.
A fan responds to Beam saying -- "So is this your final position? Cuz I remember a lot of flip flopping when you started getting called out by drivers."
That's when things escalated ... big time.
"I never once flip flopped," Beam said ... "F*ck Bubba and F*ck the BLM movement and F*ck anyone who wants to censor opinions and let politics get in the way of business relationships."
"You can quote me all you want, that’s my stance and has been from the get go."
Bubba saw the tweets and decided to respond -- expressing his disappointment with the artist.
"Can usually let the BS roll off but when it’s somebody I’ve met personally and was genuinely excited to have my first few lids painted by him .. hits different."
Can usually let the BS roll off but when it’s somebody I’ve met personally and was genuinely excited to have my first few lids painted by him..hits different.
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) October 21, 2020
I ultimately left bc I just wanted a different look. No hard feelings just a personal feeling..
Damn dude. Roger that🤘🏾 https://t.co/LKW6qvfQCe
Bubba then explained why he left Richard Petty Motorsports to join Michael Jordan's new racing team.
"I ultimately left bc I just wanted a different look. No hard feelings just a personal feeling."
Wallace had this final message for Beam -- "Damn dude. Roger that."
As for the new Richard Petty driver -- RPM announced 24-year-old Erik Jones will take over the #43 car.
"Erik is an exceptionally talented driver, and we are excited to have him join our team,” RPM CEO Brian Moffitt said.
"At only 24 years old, Erik is part of NASCAR’s next generation of stars. He has won races at every level in NASCAR he has competed in – including in the NASCAR Cup Series. Erik is a proven winner and we look forward to providing him with the opportunity to add more wins to this already impressive resume."