“Best duo ever in NASCAR history”- Fans melt over Bubba Wallace’s throwback picture celebrating Ryan Blaney’s championship triumph
Bubba Wallace finished his career best, tenth in the standings after being knocked out of R12 in playoffs

Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace's throwback picture (Credits: X)
Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney achieved something his legendary racing family hadn’t: he clinched his first NASCAR Cup Series championship, leaving fans and the paddock awestruck. The 29-year-old driver outshone fellow contenders Kyle Larson and William Byron in a thrilling 312-lap showdown at Phoenix Raceway, securing his place in the history books.
Blaney’s path to the NASCAR Cup Series championship showcased unwavering resolve and tenacity. Unlike his father, Dave Blaney, a seasoned driver with 473 Cup starts and a World of Outlaws title, Ryan’s victory elevated the Blaney racing lineage, as neither his uncle Dale Blaney nor grandfather Lou Blaney had ever clinched a NASCAR Cup Series championship.
In the championship showdown, Blaney confronted formidable competition from Hendrick Motorsports drivers Larson and Byron. Acknowledging Blaney’s car advantage, Larson acknowledged that their pit crew’s performance was pivotal for victory. As the race unfolded, Blaney’s determined driving enabled him to seize the lead despite Byron’s initial dominance. In an intense duel, Blaney fended off Larson, securing a second-place finish and his inaugural Cup Series championship.
Bubba Wallace, Blaney’s childhood buddy, also strongly reacted to the victory. Wallace, who finished 10th in the race, expressed his emotions, saying:
It's incredible. It's emotional for me. I mean, we have been racing each other since we were 10. So I know how much it means to him and to have a redemption year from last year. What a job. I'm so proud of him.
Fans wanted to see Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace in the same team
The 23XI Racing driver shared a nostalgic photo of himself and a friend savoring waffles at Waffle House, captioned “Brother. Champ.” Fans were deeply moved by this heartwarming reunion and expressed their enthusiasm for the beloved duo. Many fans are now urging them to recreate the photo with Blaney’s championship trophy gracing the table, while some dream of seeing them as teammates.

As the final race approached, Bubba Wallace showcased a special Star Wars-themed paint scheme. Given Blaney’s well-known affinity for the franchise, fans are now hoping for a heartwarming gesture—Bubba gifting his helmet to the newly crowned champion. A fan even claimed that their duo is the “Best duo ever in NASCAR history.”
BEST DUO EVER IN NASCAR HISTORY pic.twitter.com/c3hI9wkYcu
— Joey Logano²² Türkiye?? #RootingForBlaney (@LoganoTurkiye) November 6, 2023
Can we get a post championship celebration concert out of y’all now
— Tommy (@TLemley18) November 6, 2023
It'd be awesome if you guys were on the same team.
— Jordan Wilkins (@iptgord) November 6, 2023
And does @Blaney get a shot at the Star Wars helmet now. ?
— seahawkstml (@seahawkstml) November 6, 2023
Blaney looks like he hasn't hit puberty yet in this ?
— Jonathan Zoerlein (@x_JJ1fan_x) November 6, 2023
You're next, Bubba! LFG
— Jersey Jackas_s ?️ (@Oldglorycries) November 6, 2023
“It’s just a duo” The duo:
— Aidan ?️? (@_avk7_) November 6, 2023
Your friendship is one of the best things in NASCAR.
— ?Amy who is Smileesalot? (@Smileesalot1) November 6, 2023
Damn went to the vault for this one
— jodeeisamazing (@jodeeisamazing) November 6, 2023
— Nick Sznajder (@Nikocharles2) November 6, 2023
Started from the bottom now we here !! https://t.co/05tjUL4hhn
— J. Isaacs Sr. ? (@isaacsj63) November 6, 2023
I love this bromance and it'd be pretty darn cool if they recreated this Waffle House picture with RB's Championship trophy on the table. https://t.co/tAuri56lEr
— µ²µ (@HeyLesterHerman) November 6, 2023
Great photo, hope this gets recreated at a Waffle House somewhere! https://t.co/odWuiGWCTq
— Michelle (@micsmojo) November 6, 2023
Hell ya y'all are brothers ?? https://t.co/FJCKSFvbUF
— Darcy Staller (@darcystaller) November 6, 2023
Ryan Blaney’s championship win not only solidified his place in NASCAR history but also captivated fans and the paddock with his remarkable performance. The victory marked a significant milestone in the Blaney family’s racing legacy. The anticipation and camaraderie among fans make this potential exchange a moment to cherish and remember.
In case you missed it:
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. proclaims his love for NASCAR with an emotional message as Ryan Blaney wins the 2023 Cup title and Kevin Harvick retires
- WATCH: Ryan Blaney gives the bird to Rose Chastain during NASCAR Cup finale at Phoenix