WATCH: “Classy, Bubba and 23XI”- Fans react to Bubba Wallace’s wholesome tribute to his spotter Freddie Kraft’s late father at Richmond

Bubba Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft’s father, passed away on Saturday.

WATCH: “Classy, Bubba and 23XI”- Fans react to Bubba Wallace’s wholesome tribute to his spotter Freddie Kraft’s late father at Richmond

Freddie Kraft and Bubba Wallace (Credits: Essentially Sports and Twitter)

The No. 23 Toyota Camry driver for 23XI Racing, Bubba Wallace, paid tribute to his spotter, Freddie Kraft’s late father, at the race in Richmond Raceway. Tom Kraft passed away on Saturday morning after a heart attack on Monday. Freddie kept updating the fans about his father’s condition throughout the week before announcing the tragic news. Bubba Wallace and the 23XI Racing team are behind Freddie during this time.

Wallace paid a wholesome tribute to his spotter’s father. The 23XI Racing team shared a video of Wallace writing Tom Kraft’s name on a sticker on his car ahead of the race at Richmond Raceway. He replaced his name on the car with Tom’s name. It is safe to say Freddie is not alone in this, as the NASCAR family extends their support. 

YouTube video

Freddie Kraft announced the news on social media. He thanked the fans for their support and tweeted, “I’m simply overwhelmed by the support you all have shown my family throughout this difficult time. I wish I was in Richmond with my 23XI Racing family, but today this family needs me more. But I’ll be tuned in watching every lap cheering my brother Bubba on. Let’s go to work!”

FS Video

Bubba Wallace and Freddie Kraft have been working together for over a decade. The latter made a name for himself in the NASCAR community and is the co-host of the “Door, Bumper, Clear” podcast, produced by Dale Earnhrdt Jr’s Dirty Mo Media.

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Here is how the fans reacted to Bubba Wallace’s gesture at Richmond

Bubba Wallace (Credits: NASCAR Nation)
Bubba Wallace (Credits: NASCAR Nation)

NASCAR fans had a sweet response to Wallace’s gesture. One user commented, “Classy, Bubba, and 23xi.  Keeping the entire Kraft family in my prayers.” Fans credited the team and the driver for being there for Freddie Kraft. Another fan said, “Don’t like Bubba at all but respect him for this.  Awesome gesture.” Though some fans support different drivers and teams, they appreciate Bubba Wallace’s gesture in Richmond. 

“When we say we’re a family, we mean it. Gonna be weird not having you with us, Freddie,” and “Pulling Hard for Bubba today for the Kraft Family. Prayers for your family, brother!” were two of the comments. It is safe to say the fans found it unusual not to have Freddie on track. However, the NASCAR community is keeping the Kraft family in their prayers. Take a look at other reactions below. 

Due to this unfortunate incident, Tyler Reddick’s spotter Nick Payne replaced Freddie on Saturday. And on Sunday, Chase Elliott’s spotter Trey Poole performed the duties for the No.23 Toyota team. Bubba Wallace started the race from P5 and finished P12. Though a win would have meant a lot for the team, it is what it is. 

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