In a touching moment at Richmond Raceway after the race, NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace revealed the emotional conversation he had with the late father of his spotter, Freddie Kraft, before the start of the race. The 23XI Racing‘s driver, Bubba Wallace, paid a heartfelt tribute to Freddie’s father, Tommy Kraft, who tragically passed away from a heart attack just days before the Sunday race.

As a gesture of respect and support, Wallace and the No. 23 team replaced his name on the car with “Tommy Kraft” above the driver’s side door.

Bubba Wallace’s heartfelt vocation to Tommy Kraft prior to the race start

Before the start of the race at Richmond, Bubba Wallace had an emotional moment. The conversation appeared to inspire Wallace, who decided to honor Tommy’s memory in a touching way. He removed his name from above the driver’s side door and replaced it with “Tommy Kraft” using tape. Throughout the race, Wallace was emotionally connected to the tribute, and after finishing, he got emotional again as he saw the door adorned with Tommy’s name.

The gesture took on added significance as Wallace demonstrated an exceptional performance at Richmond. Leading twice for a total of 80 laps. It was not only the most he has ever led at Richmond but also the most laps he has led in a single NASCAR Cup Series race in his career. The emotional connection to Tommy’s memory seemed to have a profound impact on Wallace’s performance.

Talking to NASCAR.com at the pit road after the race, Wallace said. “Once I get past the frustration, I know it was a really good day for us. Emotional day. I just happened to look right at the door. Freddie’s dad passed away, so racing with a lot there. He was driving the sh*t out of it. You know, I told him [Tommy] at the start of the race, like I’m just gonna sit back and let him wheel it, and man, we were awesome.”

Freddie and Wallace have worked together for over a decade. Wallace’s display of such raw emotions is self-evident that he not only has great relations with Freddie but also had a great one with his dad too.

Remembering Tommy Kraft: A Legacy in Racing

Tommy Kraft had an impressive career in racing. He was a skilled racer who competed in the Figure Eight car category at Riverhead Raceway. Over the years, he achieved remarkable success, winning three championships at the racetrack in 1986, 1998, and 2006, and securing 29 all-time career wins and 5th on the track win list. Tommy’s name is enshrined on the Cromarty Wall of Champions in turn three at Riverhead Raceway, as well an inductee to the Suffolk Association of Figure Eight Racing Hall of Fame.

His accomplishments earned him a well-deserved place in both the Cromarty Wall of Champions at the racetrack and the Suffolk Association of Figure Eight Racing Hall of Fame. After retiring from racing, Tommy Kraft became a part of the NASCAR officiating team and was highly regarded by his peers. Retired track announcer Bob Finan hinted at the layers that encircle the name, Tom Kraft.

Beyond his racing exploits, “Tommy knew the automotive business inside out, buying cars, selling cars, managing repair shops was his forte. He had a way with people.” However, Bob identified the one quality that stood out most, “Tommy was the most unselfish person I know, he’d always do for others before he did for himself, aside from racing I really believe that is his legacy.”

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A shocked Riverhead Raceway GM John Ellwood reflected, “I am having a hard time with the loss of my friend, so much to say, with so many lost words.” John recalled how he counted on “TK”, “a supporter, coach, a go-to on all accounts and most importantly encouragement. Tommy had a lot of influence on me, an everyday phone call could last for hours.”

The tribute to Freddie Kraft’s late father brought out a level of dominance in Wallace’s performance at Richmond that fans had never seen before. Share your thoughts on his touching tribute to Tommy.

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