NASCAR: Full Speed Famed Crew Chief Claims His Bourbon Collection Has More to Give

2024 started on a novel note for NASCAR. Ever since the first races were conducted in 1948, the premier stock car racing series has been confined to American audiences. But in recent years, global recognition has attained priority. A Netflix show was also produced, featuring the daily life struggles of racers like Bubba Wallace.

What enthralled global motorsport fans the most was the raw, unfiltered, documentary approach. Racers were filmed on tracks, in motor trailers, and inside their homes. This lent a deeper insight into drivers’ lives, including unique elements. Bubba Wallace’s crew chief let his booze collection be filmed, but recently claimed he concealed most of it.

Bubba Wallace’s crew chief says Netflix revealed only the tip of the iceberg

‘NASCAR: Full Speed’ premiered on 30th January this year. It stood out among other media productions like ‘NASCAR Drivers: 360’ and ‘Race for the Championship’. Its unique selling point lies in unveiling the seemingly mysterious personal lives of racers. And as it turns out, they lead pretty normal lives like the rest of us.

In fact, 23XI No. 23 team’s crew chief Bootie Barker revealed a private hobby. He is a collector of a fine range of alcohol brands. However, he recently claimed that the show producers were given access to only a small portion of his booze library.

Speaking to Fox reporter Bob Pockrass, Barker said: “Yeah, they didn’t see half of it. (laughs) A lot of people commented on that. But the reason I have such a collection is I don’t drink very much often. I drink a wee bit, but I’m more of a collector, I’d say. But I do drink some yes.”

On being asked whether the film crew was intrusive, Barker said Denny Hamlin’s advice helped. “Oh yeah, like I said, Denny asked us all, he said, ‘look, to make this thing work, we need to let them’. So they asked, and I said alright. I liked ’em boys, they were alright, you know, so I tried to help.”

Barker and Hamlin may have accepted the film crew, but some racers vehemently protested against the invasion of privacy. Joey Logano was visibly irked when cameras zoomed in on his chores at home. 

Bootie Barker has served as the crew chief across the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, Truck Series, and ARCA Series. He has helped several drivers achieve success, like Michael Waltrip, Max Papis, Casey Mears, Johnny Sauter, and Ward Burton.

He has also played a pivotal role in hauling Bubba Wallace to Victory Lane. 

Read More: Bubba Wallace’s Spotter Rains Down on Spire Motorsports’ Cup Series Parade With Brutal 6-Word Verdict

Trending

1

Calls Mount For Team Penske Star’s Suspension After Intentionally Wrecking Richard Childress’ Grandson

2

NASCAR Community Gives Up on FOX as Fans Expose “Horrible” Broadcasting Tactics in COTA

3

Livid Fans Corner Austin Dillon After He Throws a Wrench in Kyle Busch’s Dream Run at COTA

4

Kevin Harvick’s Son Upset As He Announces 4-Word Exit From Dream Debut With Dale Jr.

5

Former Joe Gibbs Driver Launches 5 Word Hateful Diss at Fellow Driver as New NASCAR Rivalry Heats Up

Barker is a constant flame igniting Bubba’s path to glory

Back in 2021, a personnel move placed Bubba Wallace under the aegis of Robert “Bootie” Barker. Within a month, the duo secured Wallace’s first career win at Talladega. Soon enough Wallace snagged his second victory at Kansas in 2022. Things turned bleak after that as a tire and wheel loss at COTA handed Barker a four-race suspension.

But Barker keeps supporting Wallace like an unwavering flame.

Wallace finished a disappointing 3rd place at Texas last year, although the victory was within his reach. Barker did not hesitate to get raw with him. Countering his earlier stance that he doesn’t get too high and doesn’t get too low, he retorted with a hilarious reply: “I guess I lied to yo’ ass.”

Bubba Wallace came back strong this year with some impressive finishes. Only time will tell if he can break his long winless streak soon.