Bubba Wallace has ignited a new level of rivalry with Ryan Blaney in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, as their competitive spirits flared following a dramatic sequence of events in recent races. As the series completed its first 11 events, Wallace, representing 23XI Racing, trailed Blaney of Team Penske by just one position in the points standings, sitting eighth while Blaney holds seventh place. The close proximity in the standings, combined with on-track drama and off-track banter, has fueled anticipation among fans and heightened the stakes for both drivers.
Statistically, both drivers have delivered strong performances throughout the season. Ryan Blaney has accumulated four top-five finishes, five top 10s, four DNFs, and secured two stage wins in his No. 12 Ford, while Bubba Wallace has tallied two top fives, four top 10s, three DNFs, and matched Blaney’s total of two stage wins in his No. 23 Toyota. Despite these numbers, the emotional edge of their rivalry was on full display after last Sunday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway, where Wallace finished a disappointing 33rd following an early mistake in stage three.
Appearing Friday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Bubba Wallace candidly assessed the race and didn’t shy away from revisiting the mistakes that shaped both his and Blaney’s recent performances.
Wallace said.
He continued by referencing his own misstep in Texas, highlighting the balance of fortunes driving the year’s narrative.
Although Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney are well-known for their friendship off the track, their intense rivalry is equally vivid in lighter moments, as shown before last month’s race at Talladega. The two shared playful trash talk after attending a UFL game, where Blaney successfully kicked a field goal, but Wallace’s attempt fell short. Blaney joked on Fox’s broadcast,
before mocking Wallace’s try.
With Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney set to continue their hard-fought rivalry as the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Kansas Speedway this Sunday, all eyes will be on these two competitors. Their battle in the standings, combined with genuine camaraderie and sharp-witted exchanges, has electrified the atmosphere, promising fans another chapter of drama and excitement. As the season progresses, every race and every move could shift the momentum, making the Bubba Wallace versus Ryan Blaney rivalry one of the most compelling stories to watch in NASCAR.
