The Laughter and the Legacy: Bubba Wallace on Kyle Busch
In the high-octane environment of the EchoPark Speedway, emotions often run as fast as the cars. During a recent media session ahead of the Quaker State 400, Bubba Wallace found himself reflecting on a figure who defined an era of stockcar racing: the late, great Kyle Busch.
While the weekend was filled with fresh tensions and driver rivalries, Wallace took a moment to look back with a smile, recalling the times he and Busch found themselves in the equivalent of the “principal’s office”—the dreaded NASCAR hauler.
A Clash of Titans: The 2019 Watkins Glen Incident
Bubba Wallace didn’t shy away from the aggressive history he shared with Busch. One particular memory stands out from 2019 at Watkins Glen. After a fierce side-by-side battle, Busch pushed his way ahead, prompting Wallace to deliver a nudge that sent the No. 18 Toyota spinning.
The aftermath was classic NASCAR drama. When asked about the wreck, Wallace’s response was as blunt as the impact: “I won’t put up with no (expletive). So I flat out wrecked his ass back.”
Years later, the fire has turned into fond nostalgia. Wallace recalls their meeting in the hauler as a moment of mutual, if begrudging, respect. “We both agreed to disagree,” Wallace shared, noting that Busch’s typical “Rowdy” personality remained intact even during the mediation.
More Than a Driver: The Mentor Behind the Persona
To the world, Kyle Busch was a dominant force—a driver with a record-breaking 234 combined victories across NASCAR’s top three national series. However, for drivers like Bubba Wallace and Daniel Suarez, he was something more: a mentor.
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- The First Break: Busch provided Wallace with his first major opportunity in NASCAR, offering a full-time ride with his Truck Series team back in 2013.
- Guidance for Newcomers: Daniel Suarez recalls how Busch reached out weekly when Suarez first moved to the U.S. in 2015, helping him navigate both the racetrack and a new culture.
- A Hidden Heart: While fans either loved or hated the aggressive “Rowdy” persona, his peers remember a thoughtful and kind man who dedicated himself to helping others grow.
Keeping the ‘Rowdy’ Spirit Alive
The presence of Kyle Busch still looms large over the sport. From fans wearing his iconic gear to the No. 8 prints near the track, the tributes are everywhere. Perhaps most touching is the “Rowdy” namerail that Bubba Wallace continues to carry on his No. 23 Toyota.
Wallace has committed to keeping the namerail for the rest of the year, stating, “I think it’s special just to continue to honor him in any way we can.”
What’s Next for the Racing Community?
The tributes will continue as the community prepares for a formal Celebration of Life on October 9 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Additionally, Chase Elliott will step in to drive the No. 7 truck—the last vehicle Busch won in—honoring his friend and colleague one last time on the track.
For Bubba Wallace and the rest of the NASCAR community, the goal isn’t necessarily closure, but rather a commitment to ensure that the legacy of one of the sport’s most fearless competitors is never forgotten.
