Bubba Wallace has expanded his presence beyond racing, landing a cartoon role on Disney+ that caught fans’ attention for its surprising resemblance to fellow NASCAR driver Chase Elliott. Recently, 23XI Racing revealed a clip from season three of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder featuring Wallace’s animated character, dressed in red and white racing gear. Despite his inclusion as a guest star in the latest season, viewers noted that the animated version looked more like a tanned Chase Elliott rather than a distinct Bubba Wallace.
Fans Compare Wallace’s Cartoon to Chase Elliott’s Appearance
The unusual look of Wallace’s animated persona did not go unnoticed, with multiple fans joking about the uncanny comparison. One fan questioned the character design:
Why did they make him look like Chase Elliott with a tan. Come on…
Another added,
They got it captured just right. Looks and moves just like him. Except the one shot where he looks like black Chase Elliott.
These comments highlight how the animation blurred familiar facial traits, sparking amusement and surprise across social media.
Longtime Viewers Reflect on NASCAR’s Cultural Presence
Alongside humorous remarks, some fans expressed nostalgia for NASCAR’s earlier prominence in popular culture. One wrote,
Nice! 7 year old me would also be jealous. This is the kind of stuff I miss about old school NASCAR: drivers were everywhere in shows and selling stuff.
Others praised Wallace as a significant cultural figure beyond the racetrack, calling him Bubba the pop culture icon.
The Proud Family’s Legacy and Wallace’s Role in Its New Season
The Proud Family originally premiered on Disney Channel in 2001, created by Bruce W. Smith and executive produced by Ralph Farquhar, following the life of teenager Penny Proud. Its reboot, Louder and Prouder, launched on Disney+ in 2022 and has maintained the original’s charm while engaging new audiences. The third season introduces Bubba Wallace as a NASCAR driver in the animated world, blending sports with entertainment.
Bubba Wallace’s Growing Influence in Animation and NASCAR’s Pop Culture Revival
Wallace’s involvement in animation is not new; he previously voiced a character named Bubba Wheelhouse in Cars 3, representing a fictionalized version of himself. This latest role signals his expanding mainstream appeal. NASCAR itself is striving to regain cultural momentum, and Wallace’s crossover into animated media exemplifies the sport’s effort to reach wider audiences and diversify its image.
Impact and Future Prospects for NASCAR and Wallace’s Multimedia Presence
As NASCAR evolves, having prominent figures like Bubba Wallace featured in popular shows helps bridge the gap between racing enthusiasts and general viewers. This animated feature could open more doors for drivers to gain recognition outside their traditional sports platforms, boosting both Wallace’s profile and NASCAR’s cultural relevance in an increasingly digital entertainment landscape.
