WATCH: “Another way for NASCAR to promote Bubba”- Fans react to Bubba Wallace hugging Ryan Blaney post-Martinsville win

Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney have been closest friends for a very long time now.

WATCH: “Another way for NASCAR to promote Bubba”- Fans react to Bubba Wallace hugging Ryan Blaney post-Martinsville win

Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney hugging post Martinsville win (Credits: X)

Ryan Blaney‘s win at the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway marked a career-defining moment. Leading for 145 laps, he showcased his exceptional driving skills and secured a place in the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway. This win is a testament to his ability to handle playoff pressure and positions him for a shot at his first NASCAR Cup Series championship.

The victory at Martinsville was not just about the checkered flag; it was about the ticket to the Championship 4, a first for the Team Penske driver. This milestone presented an opportunity to compete for the ultimate title in NASCAR, a dream Blaney has been chasing throughout his career.

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One heartwarming aspect of Blaney’s victory was the genuine display of camaraderie in the racing world. Bubba Wallace, a close friend and colleague of Blaney’s, rushed into victory lane to congratulate him with a heartfelt hug. Wallace had the best season of his career this season, advancing to the R12. However, he was knocked out and couldn’t reach the R8. 

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The friendship between Blaney and Wallace is well-documented, with the two racers often making joint media appearances, showing their rapport on and off the track. They share a unique bond characterized by their shared interests, similar personalities, and the occasional friendly banter for the enjoyment of their fans.

Fans made uncalled homophobic remarks in response to the hug between Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney

A heartwarming embrace between Blaney and Wallace was captured in a video shared by NASCAR on their official social media channels. This display of friendship evoked a variety of reactions from fans. Among them, sentiments were divided. Some viewers were deeply moved by the genuine moment of celebration between the two friends. They celebrated the strong bond between Blaney and Wallace, affectionately referring to them as “Besties for the resties,” underscoring the importance of their friendship within the sport.

Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace
Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace (Credits: USA Today’s FTW)

On the other hand, some viewed the moment with skepticism, perceiving it as a promotional ploy by NASCAR to spotlight Wallace and promote diversity and inclusivity within the sport. This viewpoint was met with a mix of support and criticism. Unfortunately, there were also instances of homophobic remarks in response to the heartwarming hug. 

Some fans seemed unable to appreciate the simple display of friendship between two men without imposing a homophobic lens on it. Lastly, a more humorous group of fans lightheartedly speculated that Blaney might love Wallace more than his girlfriend, emphasizing the depth of their friendship.

Ultimately, the reaction to the hug between Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney reflects the diverse and passionate NASCAR fanbase. While some celebrated the genuine display of friendship and its significance in the sport, others expressed skepticism or resorted to humor. Regardless of the varied responses, one thing is clear: Blaney’s victory and the following embrace left an indelible mark on the NASCAR community.

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