Imagine hurtling around a NASCAR track at nearly 200 mph, inches away from your competitors, with only a sliver of visibility from your cockpit. Your mirrors can’t catch everything, and you can’t afford to glance sideways. That’s where your spotter becomes your lifeline. He’s your second set of eyes, guiding you through traffic, avoiding wrecks, and calling out crucial moves.

The bond between a driver and their spotter is built on trust and clear communication. Without it, a driver is practically flying blind. But what happens when that trusted voice, the one you rely on to keep you safe, takes a hilarious jab at you in front of thousands of fans?

Well, that’s exactly what happened when Bubba Wallace’s long-time spotter, Freddie Kraft, decided to have a little fun at his driver’s expense.

How Bubba Wallace and Freddie Kraft keep it real on and off the track

‘I’m spotting for Ty Dillon, but there’s this kid, Bubba Wallace, is looking for a spotter for K&N, would you mind doing it?’ Mike Herman Jr. had asked Freddie Kraft. Kraft agreed. This was 15 years ago. Since then, their collaboration has flourished, with Kraft guiding Wallace through various racing series, including the NASCAR Cup Series. Their enduring relationship is built on trust and effective communication, both on and off the track.

The partnership started on a high note, with Bubba Wallace winning his very first event at the Greenville-Pickens Speedway. This was in the K&N Series in 2010 when Bubba was just 17. Over the years, the duo went on to achieve significant on-track milestones, including two NASCAR Cup Series wins at Talladega Superspeedway in 2021 and Kansas Speedway in 2022. Their ability to work together seamlessly was crucial in navigating the competitive landscape of NASCAR.

Off the track, Wallace and Kraft have collaborated on several projects, including the popular “Door, Bumper, Clear” podcast. This platform allows them to share insights into their racing experiences and engage with fans in a more personal way. Their camaraderie is evident in these off-track ventures, highlighting the depth of their relationship beyond just racing. They often poke fun at each other, creating an entertaining dynamic that fans appreciate.

Recently, in a Reddit discussion titled “Does anybody else like Bubba Wallace?”, Kraft humorously responded, “Nope. Guy’s a b-m.” This lighthearted comment reflects their playful relationship and mutual respect. This isn’t the first time their playful relationship was on display on social media. Just recently, a fan asked Kraft if he would be spotting Wallace this season. Kraft’s reply – “Unfortunately…I’m stuck. No one else will deal with his a–.”

The Reddit thread searching for Bubba Wallace’s admirers sparked a wave of fan responses, with many expressing admiration for Wallace’s authenticity and skill. Fans shared personal stories and reasons for their support, highlighting the driver’s impact both on and off the track.

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Fans rally around Bubba Wallace

The Reddit thread sparked an outpouring of support from fans who admire Bubba Wallace’s resilience and character. Many acknowledged his racing talent but also wished for more consistency. One fan remarked, “I like him; I wish he were a more solid and consistent performer.” Wallace’s last Cup Series win came in 2022 at Kansas, and fans remain hopeful he’ll find Victory Lane again this season.

Another fan gained respect for Wallace after watching his vulnerability in Netflix’s Race: Bubba Wallace documentary. “I like him. I gained a lot of respect for him after seeing his mental health struggles,” they shared. The docuseries, released in 2022, candidly portrayed Wallace’s internal battles, shedding light on the immense pressure he faces as NASCAR’s only Black full-time driver.

Wallace’s influence extends beyond his performance, as evidenced by another fan’s comment: “He’s bringing new fans to the sport. Source: me. I’m a new NASCAR fan, and I’m watching BECAUSE of Bubba Wallace.” This sentiment reflects Wallace’s impact in diversifying NASCAR’s fan base. His presence has introduced the sport to new audiences who might have otherwise overlooked it.

Long-time fans also expressed unwavering support despite Wallace’s on-track challenges. “Been rooting for him for a long time. Hoping he’ll break out again this season and win a race or two,” one fan admitted. Wallace’s close finishes in 2023 and 2024 have kept fans hopeful. His near-win at Michigan in 2023 and strong playoff push last season further fueled expectations for a breakout year.

Wallace’s off-track interactions also garnered praise. A fan recounted meeting him at a baseball game, saying, “Seemed like a great guy, he waited until everyone that wanted to meet him could before he left.” This mirrors countless testimonials about Wallace’s approachable personality. Despite the occasional hate he receives online, fans often point out, “The haters are just loud and obnoxious…and have sunglasses on in their profile pics.” The unwavering fan support showcases that Wallace’s impact extends far beyond his race results.

As Wallace begins his next chapter in racing with new crew chief Charles Denike, fans remain optimistic that this partnership could be the spark he needs to find consistency and return to Victory Lane. With Freddie Kraft still in his ear and an ever-growing fanbase rallying behind him, Wallace has all the pieces in place to silence his critics and make a strong push this season.