Brad Perez, a determined driver in the ARCA Menards Series, has seen his journey bolstered by exceptional encouragement from Cup Series star Bubba Wallace, who contributed financially to help Perez secure a much-needed ride. As Perez prepares for his first Menards start of 2026 in Phoenix, he’s tackling the financial challenges that are a constant reality for rising racers, with Bubba Wallace racing support giving him renewed hope.
Perez’s Tireless Efforts to Chase His Racing Ambitions
Determined to make it on the racing circuit, Brad Perez, at just 29 years old, has taken on a variety of roles to stay close to the sport, including a stint as a pseudo crew chief on a Cup car. This wide-ranging experience is all part of his ongoing effort to grasp every opportunity available to pursue his racing dream. Raising the funds necessary for a ride has proven challenging, with the cost for a baseline slot in the series reaching $35,000—money that is hard to come by without strong sponsors.
“I’ve done just about everything to being a pseudo crew chief on a Cup car one time,”
—Brad Perez, Driver
“That’s probably a story for a book.”
—Brad Perez, Driver
The Challenge of Securing Sponsorship in Racing
Perez recognizes the uphill battle smaller teams face against large, well-funded organizations and marketing firms that dominate motorsports. Despite these daunting odds, he values each victory in sponsorship as a sign that his hard work is paying off, not only for himself but for the brands that believe in him.
“You’re up against multi-million dollar organizations and advertising companies so it’s tough,”
—Brad Perez, Driver
“But whenever you do have those victories and victories mean getting those brands together to support you, it means a lot to me because I get to live out my dream. But it also returns for them because you have somebody that’s dedicated and really cares about whatever they’re trying to promote.”
—Brad Perez, Driver
Bubba Wallace Steps in With Vital Financial Backing
The support from Bubba Wallace, who Perez regards as a mentor, arrived when needed most. Wallace publicly pledged $15,000 on social media to help Perez compete in the O’Reilly Series race at Martinsville, making up nearly half the total Perez needs for a ride. This gesture did not go unnoticed, especially with Wallace also calling on fellow drivers like Ryan Blaney, Kevin Harvick, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. to lend their support.
“I like martinsville😉 I’m in for 15k.Let’s get some more funds for my dawg here to go race! @Blaney @KevinHarvick @DaleJr https://t.co/xU4znSJdK3”
—Bubba Wallace, Cup Series Driver
Perez was moved by Wallace’s generosity, describing how the late-night message boosted both his spirits and his visibility, drawing attention from others in the racing community.
“He messaged me at 1 o’clock in the morning and I woke up to that, and was like, ‘Yo what?,’ recalls Perez. “His support means a lot to me, he’s been somebody that I’ve always looked up to. I’m grateful for his support, and it’s definitely opened up a lot of other people’s eyes to my story, and I’m grateful for that.”
—Brad Perez, Driver
A Story of Perseverance and Paying It Forward in Motorsports
Recently, Perez demonstrated his versatility at the COTA road course, jumping from working on Ryan Ellis’s car to driving as a relief for JJ Yeley in the O’Reilly Auto Parts race. With future race weekends at Charlotte, Darlington, and Kansas on the horizon, Perez is motivated to help others just as Wallace has helped him, aiming to inspire and educate those following in his path.
“I want to help educate and I want to help just as Bubba helped me,”
—Brad Perez, Driver
“If you were to support me it’s not something that I’m taking lightly, it’s something that means a lot for my entire life.”
—Brad Perez, Driver
Brad Perez’s journey is a shining example of what it means to be ever-ready for opportunities, and how support from role models like Bubba Wallace can ignite even greater determination. As Perez continues his pursuit around the tracks of Phoenix, Martinsville, and beyond, his story may inspire sponsors and fans across Harrisburg, Darlington, COTA, Charlotte, and Kansas, ensuring his racing career remains one to watch.
I like martinsville😉 I’m in for 15k.
Let’s get some more funds for my dawg here to go race! @Blaney @KevinHarvick @DaleJr https://t.co/xU4znSJdK3
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) February 24, 2026
