Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney, known for their entertaining friendship in NASCAR, recently had an amusing encounter involving a missed steak grilling session ahead of the Coke 600 race weekend in Charlotte. Their long-standing bond, which dates back to their early days racing Bandolero cars, has often resulted in playful moments that fans enjoy following, highlighting their unique Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace NASCAR friendship.
Wallace, who is both passionate about motorsports and an avid foodie, organized a barbecue event to grill steaks and watch the truck race before the Coke 600. He invited Blaney to join, but despite initial plans, the Penske driver did not attend, leading to a humorous but pointed confrontation when the two met at the race weekend.
The Backstory: Inviting Ryan Blaney to the Grill
Bubba Wallace’s fondness for food is well known among his fellow drivers, many of whom enjoy socializing off the track with gatherings like barbecues. Ahead of the Coke 600, Wallace fired up the grill and reached out to Ryan Blaney in a private NASCAR group chat, inviting him to join the session. Blaney responded, saying he had other commitments but expressed curiosity about the timing.
Wallace quickly clarified that the grilling would start within a couple of hours, giving Blaney enough flexibility to swing by after finishing his plans. The exchange was casual and friendly, hinting at the close rapport the two share as friends and competitors.
“Yesterday at 5:35 (PM), Ryan texted me, ‘What time are you gonna fire up the grill?’ and I replied, ‘Within an hour or two, gonna grill and watch the truck race, Welcome to stop by’” —Bubba Wallace, YouTube vlog @BubbaWallace.
Following this, Blaney indicated he would try to make it, even accompanying his message with a playful emoji. Wallace, known for his sense of humor, imitated Blaney’s style by mimicking the emoji in a later message. Despite the assurances, the 31-year-old driver ultimately did not attend the grilling session.
“Word for Word from Ryan, I’ll stop by for that…. So then Ryan just never shows up typically.” —Bubba Wallace
Face-to-Face: Wallace Calls Out Blaney at the Coke 600 Media Event
When Wallace saw Blaney in person during media activities leading up to the Coke 600, he did not let the no-show pass without mention. Clearly still waiting for an explanation, Wallace humorously confronted Blaney about missing the barbecue where burgers had been prepared especially for him.
Wallace joked that Blaney’s burger was still sitting on the counter, ready to be eaten, while Blaney responded by saying it was fine, implying the food had likely gone to waste by then. This exchange showcased the friendly teasing that defines their dynamic, despite the occasional flub in plans.
“Bubba Wallace: Hey man [to Ryan Blaney], your burger is still sitting on the counter if you want to come over and eat it. Ryan Blaney: No that’s fine.” —The two drivers joking
Ongoing Friendship and What to Expect Next
Despite the playful friction over the missed invitation, Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney remain close friends well-respected within the NASCAR community. Their ability to joke openly about incidents like this highlights the strength of their relationship rather than any real conflict.
It would not be unexpected if Wallace plans a lighthearted prank or even a humorous slight on Blaney for future gatherings, perhaps requiring him to step up and cook for the group next time. Regardless, their camaraderie continues to thrive amid the intense competition on the track.
Their bond extends beyond race day antics, providing fans with entertaining moments off the circuit, and their interactions often bring a human and relatable side to NASCAR’s fast-paced environment, reinforcing why their friendship is celebrated.
