Bubba Wallace Launches Hilarious 2-Word Attack on IndyCar Star in Reply to Past ‘Fitness’ Shade

The evolution of fitness in NASCAR has been nothing short of revolutionary. When pioneers like Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte, and Mark Martin first introduced serious workout regimens into their routines in the 1990s, many in the garage scoffed at the notion. The sport had long glorified the tough-as-nails driver who could wrestle a car around the track regardless of physical condition. Today, that perception has dramatically shifted, with drivers like Bubba Wallace openly discussing the physical demands of racing while embracing comprehensive training programs to enhance their performance on the track.

Bubba Wallace’s journey toward fitness commitment wasn’t linear. During an appearance on the Montgomery & Co. podcast, the 23XI Racing driver candidly shared his transformation moment: “I haven’t worked out in over probably two years,” he admitted before revealing a pivotal text from his mother that changed his perspective: “If you want something to change, you gotta change yourself.” That message sparked a newfound dedication to physical training that has coincided with improved performance and consistency. The once-reluctant gym-goer now embraces a routine that includes cardio, strength training, and specialized exercises targeting the muscle groups most stressed during races.

Cut to this week, NASCAR’s social media landscape got significantly more entertaining when Brittney Wilbur from NASCAR social media unveiled a creative new series featuring jogging interviews with drivers around the track. NASCAR journalist Jeff Gluck praised the initiative, tweeting: “Brittney Wilbur from NASCAR social has started a new series where she runs the track with a driver (first one was Chastain at COTA). Love creative ideas like this.” The innovative format offers fans a glimpse of their favorite drivers in a more relaxed, authentic setting while highlighting the athletic nature of the sport.

Team Penske IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin couldn’t resist the opportunity to playfully tease his friend upon seeing Wallace participating in the jogging interview. “Did well to get @BubbaWallace jogging 😂😂😂,” McLaughlin quipped on Twitter, implying that running might not be Bubba Wallace’s preferred activity. The 23XI Racing driver was quick to respond with a sharp comeback: “Even did another 1.5 after this one while you’re sitting on your couch, ya bum.” Those final two words – “ya bum” – delivered with playful indignation, immediately captured the attention of racing fans across both series.

The friendly jab from McLaughlin stands in stark contrast to Wallace’s actual commitment to physical fitness. In a revealing 2021 interview with Men’s Journal, Wallace detailed the physical demands of NASCAR competition: “In the summer in Florida, it’s 130 to 140 degrees in the car. We’re maintaining speeds from 90 to a couple of hundred mph for hours on end. Then you add the physical activity of turning the wheel and shifting gears. The G-forces sling you to the right side of the car so you’re always pulling back.” To combat these challenges, Wallace explained his workout routine: “I do cardio, weightlifting, and especially back exercises. Your back and core take the brunt of the pain while driving.”

The “Race: Bubba Wallace” Netflix docuseries displayed Wallace doing challenging workouts including box jumps, box toe-taps, Ski-Erg sprints, heavy med ball tosses along with sled pushes at 8:45 AM which Wallace acknowledged moves outside his comfort area. Wallace reached his career-defining goal in 2023 through his dedication to training which led him to his first NASCAR Cup Series playoffs qualification thus showing his physical readiness translated to racing achievements.

Through their social media posts fans have grown to expect interactions between Wallace and McLaughlin which showcase the authentic bond shared by drivers from different NASCAR divisions.

Bubba Wallace’s Competitive Fire Burns On and Off-Track

The friendly exchange between Wallace and McLaughlin illustrates one element of Wallace’s strong competitive drive that goes further past enjoyable online banter. Although Wallace continues to maintain friendly relations with McLaughlin he demonstrates equal strength in defending himself against NASCAR rivals. Aric Almirola and Wallace’s years-long feud stands as a leading inter-racing-card rivalry that has become the sport’s top debated rivalry during the recent period.

A physical fight between Wallace and Almirola occurred at a Toyota competition meeting in May 2024 according to reports but NASCAR and Toyota officials have maintained an unclear stance about the incident. Wallace refused to elaborate on the incident because alleged authorities wanted to maintain good public images of specific individuals. Wallace caused renewed speculation about his feud with Almirola by tweeting Jeff Gluck’s poll while using an apparent reference to the physical altercation from the Toyota meeting. 

This all stemmed from last weekend’s Xfinity race in Phoenix. Almirola and Alex Bowman were battling for the win in an overtime finish. Although the JGR veteran driver clinched the win in a last-lap thriller, he bagged the win by using all necessary means. He blurred the lines between hard racing and blatant wrecking, coming off the final corner, the No. 19 car ran the No. 17 up into the wall. This provided Almirola with the slit second to charge up and take the checkered flag.

Jeff Gluck was keen on the result of the polls by the fans who had their opinion on the last-lap chaos in Phoenix. But, Wallace out of the blue dropped a cryptic reply, “You acting like the 17 got.. sucker punched🤔.” Those who could read between the lines understood that this was a reminder that Wallace was still not over his altercation from last year. And social media provided him with a platform to drop hints on what transpired behind the doors at the Toyota meeting.