Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace have shared a close bond for nearly 20 years, making them some of the most enduring friends in NASCAR. This long-lasting connection has deepened as Wallace embraced fatherhood, with Blaney witnessing firsthand Bubba’s evolving family life since the birth of his son Becks last September. Their shared history and neighborhood proximity have only strengthened their friendship over time.
Observing Bubba Wallace’s Journey into Fatherhood
Reflecting on his friend’s transformation, Ryan Blaney described Bubba Wallace as a “mushy teddy bear now,” highlighting the emotional shift since becoming a dad. Having raced together and grown up side by side, the two drivers remain close, living just minutes apart. Blaney expressed his admiration for Wallace’s new role as a family man, sharing that it’s been rewarding to witness such significant milestones like marriage and parenthood in each other’s lives.
“Yeah, he’s a mushy teddy bear now,”
Blaney said of his friend.
“Yeah, it’s cool. Bubba and I have known each other for two decades, 20 years, raced together, grew up together, live five minutes down the road from each other nowadays, and really good friends.”
—Ryan Blaney
“It’s cool to see kind of — it’s weird when you get to that period of life, whether it’s yourself or your friends are going through big transitions like getting married or having kids and things like that. So it’s great. I’m happy for him. I’m happy for him and Amanda,”
he added.
“It’s been a pleasure to just be close to them. … But yeah, it’s been cool to see — I’m sure it changes you. I can’t speak to that matter. I’m not a dad. But just to see his change and his outlook on life and his attitude about everything, it’s cool to see and I see it a lot because I spend a lot of time with him.”
—Ryan Blaney
Continuing Their Careers While Navigating Personal Milestones
Both Blaney and Wallace continue to excel on the track, balancing demanding racing schedules with their personal lives. Recently, Blaney earned a first-place finish at the NASCAR Cup Series race at Nashville Superspeedway, while Wallace finished just outside the top five. Their ability to maintain competitive performances while supporting each other’s family growth speaks to their strong friendship and mutual respect.
The Significance of Their Relationship in NASCAR
The connection between Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace exemplifies the deep friendships that can flourish within the high-pressure world of NASCAR. Their two-decade-long bond, sustained through shared experiences and life transitions, offers a hopeful example of camaraderie beyond competition. As Bubba Wallace continues to embrace fatherhood alongside his wife Amanda, Blaney remains a close friend and witness to his ongoing journey, both on and off the racetrack.
