Following a bizarre incident in the second stage of Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Portland International Raceway, Jesse Iwuji – driver of the No. 34 Chevrolet Camaro — has issued an apology on social media.
The incident, which saw Iwuji slam into race leader Ty Gibbs under caution, resulted in a two-lap penalty for Iwuji, while Gibbs was able to maintain his position, despite the significant impact to his Joe Gibbs Racing entry.
Video: Jesse Iwuji SLAMS Into Race Leader Ty Gibbs Under Caution at Portland
On Sunday, just prior to 2:00 AM / ET, Iwuji posted a public statement and apology via social media, explaining exactly what went down, from his point of view.
The Carrollton, Texas-native’s statement reads: “I want to sincerely apologize to the #54 team for the incident during the caution at Portland. It was not intentional at all. When the caution came out the #54 had accidentally passed me, so race control had [come] over the radio and told me to [go by him] and the pace car and get behind the field.
“Right after I had gotten that communication over the radio from my crew, the #54 was nearing turn one and had moved over to the outside wall, which I assumed he was doing because I needed to pass him when in reality, he was only moving over to big arc his corner into that turn,” Iwuji continued. “And when he did I was already heading right to the inside of the corner where we collided and I accidentally spun him.”
Iwuji continued by confirming the damage to his entry, but admits he wasn’t certain if Gibbs sustained any major damage from the accident. Furthermore, the 34-year-old confirmed that he was called to the NASCAR hauler post-race, where he spoke to series director Wayne Auton.
Gibbs – who dominated Saturday’s event leading 42 of 75 laps — emerged from the event’s chaotic second half in seventh, while Iwuji remained in the event, finishing four laps behind in 26th.
