On the eve of a highly anticipated race at the Talladega Superspeedway, NASCAR racers Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing indulged in a bit of friendly rivalry at a UFL game in Birmingham, Alabama. A video of the duo attempting 20-yard field goals revealed Blaney’s success contrasting starkly with Wallace’s inefficacy.
As one of Ryan Blaney’s consistently top-performing tracks, Talladega holds a special place for both drivers. However, this time, the athletes’ off-track antics garnered more attention than their performance on the speedway. Visiting Birmingham for a UFL game, Blaney and Wallace decided to take the shot at kicking 20-yard field goals. The outcome? A perfectly executed kick from Blaney that effortlessly sailed through the uprights, and a half-hearted attempt from Wallace of 23XI Racing that barely left the ground.
The amusing sight was shared on live TV during Fox’s pre-race show with Blaney and sports commentator Jamie Little. Casually downplaying his successful kick, Blaney remarked, “Yeah. You know, 20-yarder good. I know it’s not impressive,” only to then lasciviously jab at his friend’s dismal performance, stating, “And that’s definitely not impressive by Darrell. If we were talking athletes over here, I think that just is the sealed deal.” His playful criticism of Wallace’s missed kick was a subtle nod to the ongoing debate among fans about whether NASCAR drivers qualify as athletes.
The implications of Blaney’s observations and the subsequent circulation of the video snippet sparked fresh speculations. Wallace’s fumbled attempt hardly weighs on his reputation as a skilled NASCAR racer. Both drivers’ friendly banter and off-track camaraderie, combined with their on-track competitive spirit, will certainly add a layer of intrigue to the next 23XI Racing event. The fans, whether siding with Ryan Blaney or Bubba Wallace, will surely be watching every turn.
