NASCAR Cup Circuit of the Americas
Bubba Wallace receives Tennessee baseball honour: "A blessed day"
23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace will throw the first pitch for the Tennessee baseball game on Wednesday.
Lydia Mee
Edited: Mar 4, 2025, 6:05 PM
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Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Toyota
Photo by: James Gilbert / Getty Images
23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace has been confirmed to throw the first pitch at the Tennessee baseball game against Xavier on Wednesday, March 5.
Wallace has a long history with the Tennessee program. In 2016, the NASCAR driver joined Team 120 to take part in Tennessee's football practice, however, his support stretches further back than this as his mother, Desiree, grew up in Knoxville and ran track in the same program. Speaking in 2016, Wallace shared his excitement, stating:
"This is a tremendous day for me to be here, to suit up, put the pads on and be a part of Team 120. I'm excited to be here. It's a very blessed day."
"It's really in my blood," Wallace said. "It is such a great experience to be a part of."
Now, Wallace is taking part in the upcoming baseball game between Tennessee and Xavier with the honour of throwing the first pitch.
This comes after Wallace secured a front-row lockout with his teammate Tyler Reddick for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, a first for the 23XI Racing team which is co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin.
Speaking to the media following Qualifying, Bubba explained, as previously reported by Motorsport.com:
Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Toyota
Photo by: James Gilbert / Getty Images
"When we come to the road course races, everybody in the Toyota camp leans on Tyler," said Wallace. "He [Reddick] does a great job of giving us the right information, but I really thought I screwed his lap up. I got into Turn 1 better and I was just kind of close. I think if roles were reversed, I would have been like 'back up off me and give me some room.' But that's just how good he is. Hats off to everyone at 23XI."
Despite his start from second on the grid, Wallace finished the race in 20th, though he did claim the win in Stage 1. Reddick, who started from pole position, crossed the finish line in 3rd behind Christopher Bell and William Byron.
NASCAR now moves onto Phoenix Raceway for the Cup Series Shriners Children's 500 on Sunday, March 9. Fans can follow the race live on FS1, Max, MRN, and SiriusXM.
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