Ryan Blaney, Bubba Wallace, and Chase Elliott share a notable ritual in the world of NASCAR, where each makes it a priority to congratulate the other in victory lane whenever one of them wins a race. This Bubba Wallace NASCAR tradition victory lane custom demonstrates their sportsmanship and camaraderie, which has become a trademark among these drivers during recent seasons.
In a recent discussion with the New York Times, Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney detailed how this friendly gesture began and why the trio maintains the tradition regardless of their standings or teams. When asked which non-teammate drivers he would be eager to celebrate in victory lane, Blaney highlighted Wallace and Elliott, explaining that whenever one of them clinches a win, the other two seek them out after the race to offer personal congratulations. This reciprocal practice has become routine, reflecting the close-knit relationships among these competitors.
Blaney described their ongoing victory lane visits as a meaningful part of their NASCAR experience. He recounted,
“I always go to victory lane if I’m still in the race for when Bubba (Wallace) or Chase (Elliott) wins. I always try to go there. And it’s vice versa for them, which is always neat. We’ve always just done that with each other.”
This tradition does not stop with Wallace and Elliott. Blaney habitually extends this courtesy to other drivers, particularly when they achieve significant career milestones. The driver noted the special moments when first-time race winners receive such recognition. For example, Blaney was there to personally congratulate Daniel Suárez after his first Cup victory at Sonoma and took part in celebrating Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s win at the 2023 Daytona 500.
“But then if you go get your first Cup win, that’s kind of cool. I’ll go up there and congratulate you. Like when (Daniel) Suárez got his first one at Sonoma, I walked down there and congratulated him. And there’s been a few like Ricky (Stenhouse) when he won the (Daytona) 500, you go congratulate those guys,” Ryan Blaney said.
This culture of support stands out in an environment often defined by intense competition. Blaney, Wallace, and Elliott’s mutual respect strengthens the emotional ties that run throughout the NASCAR Cup Series garage. Their willingness to acknowledge rivals’ achievements highlights the bond that forms between drivers who have logged countless hours battling side by side on the track.
Blaney’s Recent Performance and Career Milestones
Blaney’s season has demonstrated remarkable consistency, as illustrated by his collection of 503 points over the course of 17 starts—ranking him 40 behind Chase Elliott and 91 ahead of Bubba Wallace. Their robust rivalry has not diminished their friendship, nor their ritual of congratulation in victory lane. Alongside Wallace and Elliott, Blaney’s performances are closely tracked by fans, with each driver looking to surpass the others in both points and wins through the current campaign.
On the track, Blaney continues to make headlines. Most recently, he powered the #12 Team Penske ford/”>Ford to a third-place finish at Pocono, praising his team’s relentless effort on social media following the race. As Blaney summarized after his top-five result:
“Really proud of this 12-Team. We fought from the back through the field a couple of times, and never gave up. Was a good day.”
Currently sitting sixth in the Cup Series standings, Blaney’s 2024 season has seen him notch seven top-five finishes and secure a victory at Nashville. Averaging a finishing position of 16.5, the North Carolina native remains a central figure in Team Penske’s ongoing quest for championship glory. Now in his eighth full season with the team, Blaney’s journey has also included critical development years with Wood Brothers Racing, preceding his 2023 Cup Series championship with Penske.
Why This Tradition Matters in NASCAR
The victory lane tradition shared by Bubba Wallace, Chase Elliott, and Ryan Blaney stands as a refreshing reminder of camaraderie in a high-pressure sport. By regularly acknowledging each other’s accomplishments, they set a positive example that resonates beyond their own circle, encouraging a stronger sense of community in NASCAR. As drivers like Daniel Suárez and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. benefit from similar gestures, it is clear this goodwill will likely continue, enriching the competitive spirit that defines the Cup Series.
