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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace are on-track rivals, but off the track, they’re like brothers who’ve competed together since the age of 10. Their relationship has been a mix of fun roasts, competitive fire, and deep passion. It goes without saying: Blaney and Wallace’s friendship dates back very far.

And with Wallace’s brand-new baby boy, Becks Hayden Wallace in the picture, things are getting chummier. Ryan’s wife, Gianna Tulio, just proved it with an adorable caption and an even more adorable picture.

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Divided by racing united by baby

Their rivalry was in full swing at Las Vegas where they fought each other on the track, as Blaney once called Wallace “one of my biggest competitors” which speaks of their respective-respect. They developed racing karts and late models, climbing the “racing pyramid together,” forging a friendship that’s stood the test of decades. Wallace recently teased Blaney’s “bipolar” mood swings, poking fun at his on-track intensity versus off-track easygoing nature. “I raised that little kid,” Wallace bantered during lighter offseason moments, indulging in trash talk. But Blaney hit back hard, claiming a memento of Tim Richmond after Wallace turned down a helmet trade. “Even with me, he doesn’t switch helmets,” Blaney said, mixing frustration with humor.

Then came baby Becks. Wallace and his wife Amanda welcomed him on September 29, 2024, and the NASCAR world went wild. Amanda’s “He’s perfect” post had fans swooning, with photos of Becks in Wallace’s racing gear melting hearts. Gianna and Blaney visited recently, and Gianna put up an Instagram story of the meeting, calling it as it was. She said: “I had the best day.” Those five words express the pure joy of getting to visit Becks. I mean, Amanda and Gianna are thick as thieves, apparent by their frequent outings and meetups.

Gianna and Amanda, both sharing their husbands’ NASCAR lifestyle, had a girls’ night out just days following New Year 2025, leaving Blaney and Wallace behind. They teamed up with Chase Elliott‘s rumored girlfriend, Ashley Stephenson, for an outing, and Gianna posted an Instagram Story captioned “Girls’ night!” with a laughing emoji, Their friendship goes way back to Gianna’s bachelorette party, which Amanda had referred to as a “parent’s night out.”

Gianna has been prominently featured in this story. She’s also shown affection for Amanda in the past, leaving a three-word comment, “Love you so,” on one of Amanda’s posts. She had shared red carpet moments with Blaney. This is not just a break for Blaney and Wallace, it’s another chapter in their four-decade-long friendship, now seasoned with fatherhood. Wallace’s elation on being a new father, balancing racing and family life with 23XI Racing is different from Blaney’s Team Penske responsibility, but they share this moment of sweetness.

Becks isn’t just a distraction, he’s bringing these NASCAR legends closer. It’s just so touching—two childhood friends, now uncle and father of a little new fan. But things are not all hunky dory on the track for the duo.

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Blaney and Wallace: Brothers off-track, rivals on it—can their friendship survive the Vegas wreck?

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Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace’s wreck at Vegas renders fans speechless

Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace were caught up in a multi-car crash late in the Pennzoil 400. Blaney, with Team Penske, and Wallace, with 23XI Racing, were battling hard when disaster struck on Lap 92. This is particularly heartbreaking given their cordial past.

The crash happened as they were racing three-wide with Chase Elliott. Blaney‘s No. 12 Ford dislodged, rammed into Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota, and the two spun into the fence. Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet caught up as well, turning the hard fight into chaos. Blaney described afterwards, “I got tight behind Bubba, and I just couldn’t clear him. I hate it for both of us.” His sentiments were tinged with anguish, especially hurting Wallace, his boyhood buddy. Wallace, who was frustrated but calm, interjected, “Ryan got tight, and I got turned. It’s racing, but it stinks we’re both out.

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These guys are all used to grow up racing together, but this weekend, track pressure got the best of them. Blaney finished 35th, Wallace 36th, and they both took each other out of a possible win that was squashed by Josh Berry. It’s bad for both of them, but their respect can be seen. The wreck made everyone remember how brutal NASCAR can be.

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Blaney and Wallace: Brothers off-track, rivals on it—can their friendship survive the Vegas wreck?

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