Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney traveled together to Daytona, Florida, ahead of this Sunday’s highly anticipated Daytona 500 at the legendary Daytona International Speedway. The 68th edition of this 500-mile race, one of NASCAR’s most prestigious events, will be broadcast live on FOX starting at 2:30 pm ET. Both drivers have previously earned victories at Daytona but are still chasing their first win in this crown jewel event. The journey to the race was marked by a special moment for the two drivers as they shared a rare family snapshot during their flight.
Behind the Wheel: Past Successes and Career Highlights
Ryan Blaney, a former Cup Series champion, and Bubba Wallace are no strangers to success on Daytona’s 2.5-mile tri-oval. Wallace secured a victory last year in one of the Bluegreen Vacations Duel qualifying races, while Blaney triumphed in the regular season finale at Daytona. However, the ultimate prize of winning the Daytona 500 remains elusive for both.
Bubba Wallace, currently piloting the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE for 23XI Racing, is in his ninth full season in the NASCAR Cup Series. His 2021 win at Talladega marked a historic milestone, as he became the second Black driver to win a Cup Series race. Last year, he captured the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which stands as the latest victory of his career. In total, Wallace boasts three victories in the NASCAR Cup Series and an additional six wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Notably, his first victory at Martinsville Speedway in 2013 made him the first Black driver since Hall of Famer Wendell Scott to win a NASCAR-sanctioned event.
A Heartfelt Moment Captured in Transit
During their flight to Daytona, Blaney and Wallace shared a touching photo with their children, reflecting a rare glimpse of the drivers’ lives outside the racetrack. Wallace posted the image on social media, celebrating fatherhood with the caption,
“We rolling into 2026 DAD’ED UP!! Daytona here we come!”
This moment highlighted the dual roles both men embrace as professional drivers and devoted dads, adding a layer of personal significance to the intensity of race weekend preparations.
Bubba Wallace’s Involvement in High-Profile Super Bowl Campaigns
Besides focusing on racing, Wallace was also active during Super Bowl LX, which took place on February 8. Along with NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion Jesse Love, Wallace appeared in major advertising campaigns for Toyota and Samsara. Wallace featured in Toyota’s commercial promoting the 2026 RAV4 and Tundra models, alongside NFL player Puka Nacua and U.S. Paralympian Oksana Masters. The ad, directed by Alberto Blanco and titled Where Dreams Begin, is available on Toyota’s official YouTube channel.
Jesse Love’s campaign, promoting Samsara’s new personalized safety coach for drivers, also gained attention during the Super Bowl. As shared by Joseph Srigley on social media,
“Defending NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion @JesseLoveJr1 will be starring in @Samsara’s Super Bowl LX commercial, promoting the brand’s new personalized safety coach for professional drivers,”
“Love will serve as the first avatar for ‘Samsara Coach’.”
Anticipation Grows for the Daytona 500 Broadcast
With the season opener fast approaching, fans are eagerly awaiting the action at Daytona. The race will be televised live on FOX starting at 2:30 pm ET, with additional coverage available through MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Enthusiasts can expect a thrilling event as seasoned drivers like Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace, alongside new talents, compete for NASCAR’s most coveted victory.
Broader NASCAR Landscape and Upcoming Season Highlights
The NASCAR community is also witnessing notable developments beyond the Daytona 500. Brad Keselowski recently shared his determination after being medically cleared to race, underscoring the competitive spirit within the sport. Meanwhile, Kyle Busch announced his NASCAR Truck Series schedule featuring sponsorship from Rick Hendrick, reaffirming his ongoing involvement in NASCAR’s diverse racing series.
Adding to the excitement at the Speedway, the 2026 Daytona 500 will feature performances by acclaimed artists including Miranda Lambert and Diplo, blending motorsport and entertainment for fans in attendance.
Significance of the Daytona 500 for Drivers and Fans
The Daytona 500 remains not only a showcase of speed and skill but also a significant milestone drivers aspire to conquer. For Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace, both past Daytona winners in other events, capturing the 500 win would elevate their legacies in NASCAR history. Their shared moment as fathers heading into the race adds emotional depth to their competitive drive, symbolizing how family and racing intertwine.
As the season unfolds, the outcomes at Daytona will shape momentum for teams and drivers, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive NASCAR season that promises both high stakes and memorable moments.
We rolling into 2026 DAD’ED UP!! Daytona here we come! pic.twitter.com/3mjlgFzZL7
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) February 9, 2026
