Bubba Wallace publicly apologized to his spotter, Freddie Kraft, following a tense moment during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway. The incident occurred when Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota narrowly avoided a spinout by Christopher Bell’s No. 20 Toyota, capturing attention after the dash cam video was shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Wallace posted a message alongside the video, saying,
“Sorry for the heart attack [Freddie Kraft],”
which highlighted the intensity of the situation. Kraft’s voice is heard reacting with surprise and laughter as he shouts warnings during the near-collision.
Impact of Avoiding the Crash on Wallace’s Race Outcome
Steering clear of Bell’s spinout proved crucial for Wallace, enabling him to achieve a top-10 finish at Dover. Starting the race in 22nd place, Wallace managed to advance to seventh by the end, helping maintain his playoff position. At 31 years old, Wallace currently holds the last spot in the playoffs, sitting 16 points above the cutoff line as the season approaches its final five races.
To remain a strong contender for the NASCAR Cup Series championship, Wallace must either secure a win or consistently place well in the remaining events. His performance at Dover highlighted both his determination and the critical nature of every race moving forward.
Wallace’s Season Performance: Inconsistencies and Challenges
The 2025 season has presented a mix of highs and lows for Bubba Wallace. While he has occasionally achieved top-five finishes, other times he has struggled near the back of the pack. This inconsistency has raised questions about the team’s ability to maintain momentum throughout the demanding schedule.
On the recent show “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour,” Harvick remarked on Wallace’s fluctuating season, saying,
“I think the thing that’s surprised me about Bubba is just how well they started the season. Like, ‘Oh my gosh, this No. 23 team is going to be on fire,’ and the wheels have just fallen off of the No. 23 car,”
while noting various mistakes that cost valuable points.
Harvick added a broader critique, stating,
“It’s just been really, really all over the place, for not only the No. 23, but the No. 45. The No. 45 hasn’t done anything that we expected him to do, from a speed standpoint, race standpoint. They’ve been off. We talk about the lawsuit and things like that, but they’ve just been off, compared to where the No. 23 started, and the No. 45 never even had that shining moment yet.”
Playoff Outlook and What Lies Ahead for Wallace
With the playoffs underway, Wallace’s position is precarious but still viable. Holding the last playoff berth and 16 points above the elimination line, every race carries weight for his championship aspirations. His strong finish at Dover was a key step in keeping hopes alive, yet the need for either a race victory or a stretch of consistent top finishes remains clear.
Wallace’s ability to navigate high-pressure situations, such as the near-miss with Bell’s spinout, will be critical as the season progresses. The remaining five races will test both his skill behind the wheel and the team’s capability to deliver a competitive car consistently in pursuit of a NASCAR Cup Series title.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Bubba Wallace a dad?
A. Bubba Wallace welcomed a child last September, and he is thoroughly enjoying being a father.
