
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 19, 2023; Watkins Glen, New York, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (left) talks with a crew member during practice and qualifying for the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Aug 19, 2023; Watkins Glen, New York, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (left) talks with a crew member during practice and qualifying for the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
The role of a spotter in ensuring the success of a racer is often overlooked by fans, especially the casual ones. Ones that follow the sport avidly know just how important they are for a driver, especially in the tight races. The job has always been tough but recently, NASCAR made things a bit easier and Bubba Wallace’s spotter made his elation evident on social media.
Bubba Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft is a popular man. He has made a name for himself both in his work as a spotter and as a host on the Door Bumper Clear podcast. He has made friends with several eminent personalities in NASCAR, including Dale Earnhardt Jr. The former Cup Series driver had a humorous moment with the spotter on X recently.
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Bubba Wallace’s spotter doesn’t have to count laps on his fingers anymore
Eminent NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass recently shared an update on his X handle about a change in the rules for spotters. The rule allows spotters to carry more equipment during a race. These include items like timing devices, cell phones, and radios.
“Spotters getting extra tools — they will now be able able to carry a device to monitor timing and scoring … and they can now use cell phones while on the roof … they also get a third two-way radio (previously it was two) but one radio must be issued/programmed by NASCAR,” Pockrass wrote.
Spotters getting extra tools — they will now be able able to carry a device to monitor timing and scoring … and they can now use cell phones while on the roof … they also get a third two-way radio (previously it was two) but one radio must be issued/programmed by NASCAR.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 10, 2024
Freddie Kraft was a happy man when he saw this update. Bubba Wallace’s spotter did not take long to repost the tweet, expressing his appreciation for being able to check the time and keep count of the number of laps.
“Big news here. I’m always sitting there wondering what time it is. Glad I can finally check my phone now. And excited that I don’t have to count the lap times on my fingers anymore. Pumped for ‘24,” the veteran spotter said.
Big news here. I’m always sitting there wondering what time it is. Glad I can finally check my phone now.
And excited that I don’t have to count the lap times on my fingers anymore.
Pumped for ‘24 https://t.co/hslqFJBSoU
— Freddie Kraft (@FreddieKraft) January 11, 2024
However, it turns out that former Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr has broken this rule multiple times. Junior admitted to being a rule breaker on social media and it caught Kraft off-guard.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr admits to breaking rules with his spotter
Junior’s spotter, TJ Majors, is a close friend of Freddie Kraft’s. The two are co-hosts of the Door Bumper Clear podcast. Kraft and Junior also seem to be good friends as they shared a light-hearted banter on X about doing things during a race that has not been approved by NASCAR.
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“I’m like what the heck, TJ and I text mid-race all the time,” Junior commented to which Bubba Wallace’s spotter replied with a gif that said, “You can’t say that.” The 2-time Xfinity Series champion got back with two laughing emojis.
— Freddie Kraft (@FreddieKraft) January 11, 2024
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Well, as it turns out, the spotters will have it a bit easier from 2024. How that will affect the racing is yet to be seen. Will it have any kind of an impact on the on-track action? Let us know your thoughts.
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