Bubba Wallace embraced his enthusiasm for Tennessee sports ahead of the Bristol Night Race on Saturday, blending his passion for racing with a shoutout to his favorite college team. At driver introductions, Wallace entered to the tune of GloRilla’s Bad Bih 4 Ya, then energized the crowd with a spirited “Rocky Top, go Vols,” a well-known phrase among fans at the Tennessee short track.
A dedicated Tennessee supporter, Wallace has demonstrated his allegiance beyond racing, notably throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a Volunteers baseball game last year. As the Tennessee football game against Georgia went into overtime on Saturday, Wallace was eager to catch the action before focusing fully on the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 16 finale at Bristol.
Laughing on the Victory Lane Vibes podcast, Wallace shared his hopes to watch some of the game:
So, I can watch a little bit. I mean, last time I was at the Georgia game was last year, and we ran back the opening kickoff. That place was electric, and then we never scored again. So, as long as I can see the opening kickoff, I’ll be good. … Go Vols!
—Bubba Wallace
Wallace Prepares Confidently for Challenging Bristol Race
While Tennessee fell to Georgia 44-41 in overtime, Wallace shifted his full attention to a grueling 500-lap contest at Bristol Motor Speedway, often referred to as The Last Great Colosseum. The 23XI Racing driver holds a solid position in the playoffs standings, currently sitting more than 50 points above the cutline and fourth overall.
Wallace’s playoff performance has been promising, including a sixth-place finish at Darlington and an eighth-place finish at Gateway. Maintaining consistency and avoiding problems on race day will be key for him to secure a spot in the Round of 12.
Speaking to Frontstretch on Friday, Wallace expressed confidence in his team’s momentum:
Really, really good our chances leaving here tomorrow night, even in the future for the playoffs. So, our team has been firing off cylinders, just a couple of things to clean up,
he said.
And the reason why we can’t get victory lane tomorrow night and continue to add bonus points, that’s been really big. We picked up the statement last weekend, so that gets us an extra one.
—Bubba Wallace
The Significance of Wallace’s Support at Bristol
Bubba Wallace’s display of Tennessee pride at Bristol highlights his deep connection to his home state, adding a local flavor to a high-stakes NASCAR event. As he competes at the historic Tennessee short track, his focus remains on advancing in the playoffs while engaging fans both on and off the track. His performance at Bristol could significantly influence his postseason trajectory amid intense competition.
With momentum on his side and a strong playoff position, Wallace’s ability to navigate the challenges of Bristol remains critical. The blend of sports fandom and competitive spirit makes his appearance at this event all the more memorable for local supporters and race fans alike.
