This Saturday, Bubba Wallace faces a packed schedule as the Bristol Night Race and the anticipated Georgia–Tennessee football clash both fall on the same day. NASCAR driver Wallace, an ardent Tennessee Volunteers supporter, is hoping his Bubba Wallace Bristol Night Race schedule allows him to catch parts of the 3:30 PM ET kickoff before his own race begins at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Wallace’s Deep Connection To Tennessee Athletics
Bubba Wallace’s loyalty to the University of Tennessee runs deep, a connection rooted in his family as his mother competed as a Track & Field athlete at the university. He is proudly among the Volunteers’ passionate fan base, regularly sharing his excitement for Tennessee sports and joining countless college football fans in supporting his team during big matchups like the one against the Georgia Bulldogs.
The Volunteers taking on the Bulldogs has produced memorable battles—as well as lopsided results—in previous seasons. During press engagements ahead of the Bristol weekend, Wallace was asked about fitting the game into his schedule. He responded enthusiastically, referencing last year’s game.
Then he mentioned what happened last year. So, I can watch a little bit. I mean, last time I was at the Georgia game was last year, and we ran back the opening kickoff. That place was electric, and then we never scored again. So, as long as I can see the opening kickoff, I’ll be good. … Go Vols!
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
Football Hopes Fuel Wallace’s Racing Mindset
As both college football and NASCAR playoffs collide, many wonder if a potential Volunteers upset could energize Wallace for the race. The Tennessee team enters the contest as underdogs—a position Wallace is familiar with, both personally and professionally. Whether it’s football or racing, the driver seems to relish proving expectations wrong. A big Tennessee victory before the green flag could provide Bubba with an emotional lift heading into the night.
Bristol Track Challenges and Wallace’s Recent Form
Bristol Motor Speedway has historically been a tough venue for Bubba Wallace, with only two top-10 results across twelve Cup Series starts there. Yet, last year’s edition of the Bristol Night Race saw him deliver one of his best weekends, as he and his No. 23 team executed a strong performance and earned a third-place finish.
Currently, Wallace’s strong NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs run is drawing attention. Over the last eight races, he’s notched six top-10s, highlighted by a major win at the Brickyard 400. His playoff campaign has started steadily, finishing in sixth and eighth in the first two rounds. These results, combined with the points he’s accumulated, put him fifty markers above the cutline heading into elimination night at Bristol. Unless disaster strikes, Wallace is expected to advance to the next round.
Intense Playoff Stakes At Bristol
The Bristol Night Race marks the cut-off for the first round of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, ramping up the pressure on all contending drivers. Qualifying is set to play a significant role as teams navigate both unknowns in track conditions and the always treacherous tire wear unique to Bristol. For Wallace, performing well in qualifying could secure his advancement before the checkered flag even waves, depending on stage results.
With the drama of college football unfolding hours before the race and the looming playoff elimination, Saturday promises an emotional and action-packed day for Bubba Wallace. How he balances his Bubba Wallace Bristol Night Race schedule and Vols fandom is sure to add an extra layer of intensity to an already crucial weekend for both driver and fans alike.
