Bubba Wallace jokes about last place in NASCAR In-Season Challenge after seeing his name at the bottom of an official listing, generating laughs among fellow drivers and fans online. The moment highlights how Wallace uses humor to engage with the audience as NASCAR gears up for its debut mid-season tournament this June.
Wallace’s Self-Deprecating Humor Wins Over Fans
This week, NASCAR’s official X account revealed the finalized roster for the new In-Season Challenge, posting a graphic that sorted competitors alphabetically. As a result, Bubba Wallace, representing 23XI Racing, found his name sitting at the very bottom of the driver sheet.
Having just delivered a notable sixth-place finish at Nashville, Wallace seized the chance to join in the fun, resharing the graphic with a sharp comment.
“Bubbles last like he always is.”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
His playful jab instantly resonated with fans, with the comment section lighting up with supportive and amusing replies. Many users reciprocated with their own jokes and compliments.
“This is why you’re my favorite 🤣🤣,”
—NASCAR Fan
Humor over Wallace’s comment quickly spread as users referenced past NASCAR eras, debating whether events like the In-Season Challenge actually benefit the sport’s tradition or simply serve as marketing tactics.
“Back in my day they didn’t need a in season tournament, hell they didn’t have seasoning,”
—NASCAR Fan
Others pointed out Wallace’s style of humor, suggesting that he is often his own biggest critic, a quality that endears him to a wide fan base.
“Bubba’s biggest hater was always Bubba,”
—NASCAR Fan
NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge: Format and Stakes
The NASCAR Cup Series embarks on a new phase this month with the introduction of the In-Season Challenge, a single-elimination competition designed to add excitement in the run-up to the playoffs. Although the official bracket launches in Atlanta on June 28, which matches up 32 drivers in a head-to-head format, performance during the concluding three seed races in Michigan, Mexico City, and Pocono will determine each driver’s placement.
If multiple racers achieve identical results during these seeding events, their points ranking after the Pocono event will act as a tiebreaker. The field for the tournament consists of the top 32 drivers following the Cracker Barrel 400 in Nashville, with drivers seeded by their race finishes during the three preceding qualifying events.
“The Top 32 drivers in points following today’s race at Nashville will be eligible for the $1 million In-Season Tournament (Bracket Challenge) beginning at Atlanta
The 32 drivers will be seeded based off their finishes in the next 3 races (Michigan, Mexico City, Pocono) pic.twitter.com/XJhUw36fJG”
—NASCAR Insights (@NASCARInsights)
The main incentive, aside from prestige, is a $1 million top prize for the winner after the Indianapolis final scheduled for July 27. The first round pairs the highest seed with the lowest (No. 1 versus No. 32), moving forward in a classic bracket structure until a champion emerges.
Importantly, participation and performance in the In-Season Challenge do not replace the race for playoff points, with drivers still aiming to claim one of the 16 coveted playoff spots based on the season standings. Instead, this challenge adds another layer of competitive drama for drivers like Bubba Wallace and the NASCAR fan base.
A New Era of Drama and Entertainment for NASCAR
NASCAR’s decision to introduce the In-Season Challenge comes as the organization looks to add a fresh twist before the intensity of the playoffs begins in August. By combining traditional race stakes with a bracket-style tournament, NASCAR is courting both long-time fans and new viewers.
Wallace’s lighthearted response to his spot on the entry list has only amplified buzz for the event, shining a spotlight on personalities who can connect with the audience beyond the racetrack. With key events set for Atlanta, Michigan, Mexico City, Pocono, and the championship at Indianapolis, fans eagerly anticipate which driver will emerge on top and whether humor and grit can carry Wallace through the rounds.
