During a recent NASCAR race weekend in Charlotte, a playful exchange unfolded between Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney, adding more laughter to their ongoing friendship and banter. The story of the missed Ryan Blaney grilling session with Bubba Wallace has caught fans’ attention, highlighting the lighthearted side of life among the drivers beyond the race track.
Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney’s Playful NASCAR Friendship
Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney, both well-known NASCAR drivers, have been close friends since their humble beginnings in Bandolero car competitions. Despite rivalries on the racetrack, the camaraderie between Wallace and Blaney often shines on social media, with their friendly jokes and teasing captivating fans and keeping spirits high in the garage. Their longstanding relationship, developed over years as competitors and companions, has made them one of the more entertaining duos in American motorsports.
It is not unusual for professional drivers to relax off the track with barbecues and group outings, and Wallace is known to embrace every bit of these traditions. As an avid food enthusiast, he often hosts friends for meals, combining his love of motorsport and food in true American fashion. Recent events showcased this when Wallace extended a personal invitation to Blaney for a steak grilling session—an invite that would become the subject of playful banter and gentle ribbing.
Inside the Missed Grilling Event: Plans and Puns in the Group Chat
Wallace decided to fire up the grill ahead of the highly anticipated Coke 600 weekend, planning to combine great food and a front-row seat to the truck race. He took to the private driver’s group chat to reach out to his friends. Specifically, Wallace contacted Blaney, inviting him to stop by and join the festivities. Blaney’s initial response, tinged with curiosity and his trademark humor, prompted a series of exchanges between the two.
Yesterday at 5:35 (PM), Ryan texted me, “What time are you gonna fire up the grill?” and I replied, “Within an hour or two, gonna grill and watch the truck race, Welcome to stop by” —Bubba Wallace, @BubbaWallace
According to Wallace, Blaney mentioned he had other tasks scheduled before he could possibly join the cookout, leading to a brief discussion about the timing. Wallace made it clear there was a flexible window, giving Blaney plenty of opportunity to show up and enjoy the afternoon together with friends and a hearty meal.
Blaney assured Wallace he would try to attend, responding in a manner that suggested good intentions, even throwing in a humorous emoji—a gesture met in kind by Wallace, who imitated his friend’s messaging style. The anticipation was high for Blaney to join, as the gathering promised camaraderie and good food, but, in a twist that only served to fuel Wallace’s comedic instincts, the Penske driver never arrived, leaving his friend lightly exasperated but unsurprised.
Word for Word from Ryan, I’ll stop by for that…. So then Ryan just never shows up typically. —Bubba Wallace
As Wallace revealed in his vlog, this pattern of behavior was nothing new for Blaney, playfully calling out his friend’s absentmindedness while keeping the conversation light-hearted.
Bubba Wallace’s Good-Natured Confrontation with Blaney at Charlotte
The story didn’t end with the missed grilling session. When the race weekend rolled around, Wallace saw an opportunity for some light-hearted confrontation. Still without a satisfactory explanation for Blaney’s absence, Wallace approached him ahead of their media appearances at Charlotte, seeking answers in public fashion. Fans and fellow drivers witnessed the exchange, with Wallace not missing a beat in bringing up the uneaten burger he had saved for his friend.
Bubba Wallace: Hey man [to Ryan Blaney], your burger is still sitting on the counter if you want to come over and eat it. Ryan Blaney: No that’s fine —The two drivers joked.
Wallace’s jest and Blaney’s quick, tongue-in-cheek response reflected their easy rapport. The playful call-out was met with shared laughter, signaling that any minor grievances were firmly in the realm of friendly banter. The fact that Wallace may have prepared extra food and held onto a burger in anticipation only added to the humor of the moment, while Blaney’s lack of concern proved that the burger’s fate was of little consequence in the grand scheme of their friendship.
What’s Next for NASCAR’s Fun-Loving Duo?
With the dust settled on the grilling session that never was, the friendly mockery between Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney continues to amuse fans and their fellow drivers. The humorous episode could even lead to future playful pranks or a reversal of roles, should Wallace decide to turn the tables and “forget” to invite Blaney to the next outing. Blaney, meanwhile, might be on the hook to cook for the group as payback for his absence.
Regardless of these light-hearted jabs, the connection between Wallace and Blaney remains unshaken, demonstrating the close-knit spirit among NASCAR’s drivers. Their public exchanges, whether about missed burger opportunities or racing successes, are a reminder that while the competition on the track can be intense, off-track friendships are just as enduring and vital to the NASCAR community. With the Coke 600 weekend behind them, fans can look forward to more stories and jokes between the two—proof that the Ryan Blaney grilling session with Bubba Wallace will not be their last memorable showdown.
