“Taking everybody down”: Bubba Wallace makes his feelings known as he teams up with the US Air Force for ‘high stakes’ operation drill

Ahead of the season finale at Phoenix Raceway, Bubba Wallace joined the US Air Force for a ‘high stakes’ operation drill. Wallace underwent a simulated reconnaissance operation where the driver experienced using military equipment such as an SRTV.

Bubba Wallace is a 31-year-old NASCAR Cup Series driver under 23XI Racing. He pilots the No. 23 Toyota Camry alongside teammate Tyler Reddick who drives the No. 45 car.

In a 56-second video posted on X (formerly Twitter) by 23XI, Wallace could be seen working off-track with the US Air Force, a primary partner of the driver in NASCAR. The simulated operation sought to find information about enemy forces.

“High-speed meets high stakes! Watch as a @BubbaWallace teams up with the U.S. Air Force for a reconnaissance operation drill, blending precision, strategy, and speed on the ground,” 23XI Racing wrote.

In the latter part of the video, the No. 23 driver operated an SRTV (Storm Search and Rescue Tactical Vehicle) as the gunman. He also held several weapons, like an assault rifle and a heavy machine gun.

“But really cool being able to ride the SRTVs. I’m on the gun in two four nine… taking everybody down,” Wallace said. [0:47]

Wallace will return to NASCAR for the final race of the season this Sunday. However, the No. 23 team crew chief, Robert Barker, and spotter, Freddie Kraft, won’t join him following a one-race suspension for the alleged race manipulation in the Martinsville race.

Bubba Wallace drives the No. 23 Toyota Camry in NASCAR - Source: Imagn

Aside from the suspension, Wallace was fined $100,000 and docked 50 driver points. Chevrolet drivers Ross Chastain and Austin Dillon suffered the same fate for allegedly helping William Byron advance to the final four at Martinsville Speedway.

---

Bubba Wallace unveiled a Star Wars-themed paint scheme for the No. 23 car at Phoenix

For the upcoming race at Phoenix Raceway, Bubba Wallace collaborated with Columbia in 1938 for a Star Wars-themed paint scheme on his No. 23 car. Wallace unveiled the car livery along with a customized helmet reminiscent of Darth Vader.

Wallace shared his thoughts on the paint scheme, saying (via X):

“Finally found a speeder I really like… with an open cockpit and the right speed capabilities. Embracing the power of the dark side this weekend with the No. 23 Toyota + full race kit inspired by the upcoming @Columbia1938 Vader™️ collection.”

Inspired by the Columbia 1938 Darth Vader collection, the car sports a two-tone black and red paint scheme with white accents. It is also finished with a unique racing stripe over the top, with the side profile featuring Darth Vader.

While Bubba Wallace has yet to secure his first win in the season, teammate Tyler Reddick will compete for the championship at Phoenix Raceway. Reddick punched his ticket to the Championship 4 after winning the Homestead-Miami Round of 8 race.

The upcoming race will mark the No. 45 driver's first trip to the championship. He will race for the title against Joey Logano, William Byron, and defending champ Ryan Blaney.

Watch the two 23XI Racing drivers race in the season finale around the one-mile track on November 10.