On Saturday morning, Freddie Kraft, Bubba Wallace‘s spotter for more than a decade, shared heartbreaking news. Sharing the news of his father Tom Kraft passing away, the well-known spotter had to forego previous engagements with Michael Jordan’s team at Richmond to be with his grieving family. Tom was a former racer himself and a Hall of Famer at the Riverhead Raceway in New York.

The #23 team of Bubba gave a heart-touching tribute to Freddie’s late father before the race. The tribute has not just reached Kraft but also the hearts of fans across the country. Fans have poured in their admiration for the classy act of the team as Freddie shares his gratitude.

Freddie Kraft gets emotional after the heartfelt tribute by 23XI Racing

Kraft could not join Bubba in his pursuit of a playoff spot at Richmond, owing to a cruel twist of fate. His father Tom had suffered a heart attack on Monday and had been put under intensive care. His situation did not improve and he passed away Sunday morning.

The Door Bumper Clear co-host updated the community about his father’s situation through Facebook, sharing the heartbreaking news of his father’s death.

“It’s with great sadness that we have to share our dad Tom Kraft passed away this morning. We know everyone would like to help any way they can. At this time, we just need some time to wrap our heads around this heartbreaking news. We are thankful for all of your support throughout this long week. We will share the arrangements when they are made,” posted Freddie.

A stunned 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.”

Bubba wrote Tommy’s name on tapes and pasted them to his car before the green flag was waved. His #23 also displayed Tommy Kraft’s name on the windshield on the driver’s side. With Bubba missing Freddie on Sunday, 23XI Racing will avail the services of Chase Elliott‘s road course spotter Trey Poole.

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A walk through the life of the legendary Tommy Kraft

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Tommy is renowned for being one of the best drivers to drive a Figure Eight car at the Riverhead Raceway. With three championships on the track in 1986,1998 and 2006, he stamped his name on the Cromarty Wall of Champions. Former race announcer Bob Finan was one of the people to have observed Kraft at work up close and had some kind words for him.

“Tommy knew the automotive business inside out, buying cars, selling cars, managing repair shops was his forte. He had a way with people. 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”.

Even after retiring from racing, Tommy couldn’t stay away from racing for long. Enlisting into track management, he continued his story with NASCAR as part of the officiating team. He also had an eye for solutions for the needful drivers as could be seen from his days of officiating. At times when he felt that drivers might have imbued a feeling of retaliation towards another, Kraft would try to lighten their issues and prevent any wrongdoing on the track.

Truly a man of the people, Tom had more to his personality than just his accolades and stature as a race car driver.

NASCAR fans rooting for Bubba Wallace after he pays respect to Freddie Kraft’s father

Freddie has been a part of Bubba’s racing career for more than a decade. Looking over him from the trackside, trying to steer him clear of danger on the track, Freddie has done it all for the #23 Alabama native. It was natural for Bubba to pay his tribute in the best way he could. The NASCAR fandom showed its approval over the heartwarming gesture by 23XI Racing and gathered to pay their homage to the late Tommy Kraft.

One of the fans was pleased with Bubba’s gesture and said that this act of kindness was probably the best way to show some respect: “That 23 has an extra driver today! No wonder he’s out front!”

“Love you Freddie, I’m praying Bubba parks it in victory lane today for Tommy Kraft,” commented another fan wishing for the best possible outcome for Bubba.

Several fans wished Bubba a good race and hoped that he would win the race for his spotter: “Sorry for your loss, hopefully Bubba can get this for your family”,

“Everyone has massive respect for you and you family Freddie. Sending you & your family all of our best during this difficult time”, “Sorry for the loss @FreddieKraft @BubbaWallace  phenomenal move. Much respect.”

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