Many NASCAR drivers are fierce rivals on the racetrack, which should not really be surprising. However, what’s interesting is that many are good friends away from the arena. There is no better example of this than Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace, who are reportedly wonderful friends.

Recently, an old video of the pair surfaced and began doing the rounds on social media. Both Blaney and Wallace were on a bit of a road trip, and while driving, imitated some of their rivals. The first driver they targeted was Ryan Newman, whom they poked fun at, twice. Other drivers in the imitation game were Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Paul Menard, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

How is the bond of friendship between Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace?

Wallace even had enough of a sense of humor to poke fun at himself. As it turns out, the video dates back to 2016, when Blaney was competing for Wood Brothers Racing in the Cup Series. Wallace was still in the Xfinity Series and would only make his Cup debut in 2017. In all honesty, some impressions were pretty accurate, and many found them hilarious.

The two met when they were relatively young, competing in Bandolero racing. Since then, the two hit it off and have been joined at the hip. As the years passed, their friendship remained solid and only grew stronger. It’s likely because they know when to separate their personal lives from their professional lives.

Fast-forward to 2025 and the friends are preparing for another Cup Series campaign. Blaney is already a champion, while Wallace performs relatively decently at 23XI Racing. For the latter, it is fortunate that he and teammate Tyler Reddick can still race in 2025. Especially considering the off-track drama surrounding 23XI Racing over the past months.

Nevertheless, it is a new challenge for both drivers, since 2025 is heralding massive changes. In light of that, the two of them are content to enjoy the off-season and properly relax before getting back to the grind. Blaney agonizingly missed out on defending his 2023 title, with teammate Joey Logano emerging triumphant. So now, the #12 driver will be highly motivated to snatch the crown back.

What does the 2025 season hold for both drivers?

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As mentioned before, Ryan Blaney has to keep up the momentum, if he wants to become a two-time NASCAR champion. Standing in his way are teammate Logano and the Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing teams. There are also a reasonable few wildcards, like Reddick, the RFK Racing drivers, and many more. Any of them can throw in a nasty surprise. All it takes is one slip-up at the wrong moment.

Meanwhile, there will be some pressure on him for Bubba Wallace. What is Wallace’s excuse with Tyler Reddick consistently challenging at the front and reaching the Playoffs? Last season, the #45 driver reached the Championship 4, while Bubba Wallace failed to make the Playoffs. In the end, the #23 driver finished the season in 18th place, behind Chris Buescher.

In a sense, this 2025 season is hugely important for friends as they look to keep their careers on track. Michael Jordan is a ruthless team owner who demands excellence, so Wallace has to perform up to the mark. Now that rookie Riley Herbst has joined the fray, Bubba Wallace might have to start watching his back. In a sense, the rookie does not start outperforming him, or he is in deep trouble.