"We've been there in bad times" - When Ryan Blaney defended Bubba Wallace's first NASCAR Cup win in unusual circumstances

Ryan Blaney once spoke in support of Bubba Wallace on winning his first Cup Series win at the Talladega Superspeedway. Blaney and 23XI Racing driver Wallace have known each other since their entry-level car racing days and are now a part of the premier stock car division.

In a recent video by NASCAR on NBC on X (formerly Twitter), Team Penske driver Blaney discussed Wallace's historic rain-shortened triumph at the latter's home track. Additionally, Wallace became the second African-American to secure a victory after Wendall Scott in 1963.

Reiging Cup Series champion Blaney said:

"Bub and I grew up together racing Bandoleros. I mean, we've known each other for 15 years, been there in the really bad times, and it's great to be there in the really good times too." [1:27]

Revisiting #23 Wallace's triumph at the 2021 Yellawood 500 race, Blaney defended his friend's first Cup win and continued:

"People say, 'Oh, it was rain out. You know, it doesn't really count.' Like, hey, listen, he and I both restart in the back, like the restart before, and he drove to the front and made the moves that were the best moves to get him to the lead, and I stuck back in 20th. He did everything right to put himself in the spot, and definitely deserves it."

As NASCAR returns to the second Round of 12 race, #23 Wallace, who missed out on the playoffs, would look for a second drive through the victory lane. On the other hand, #12 Ford driver Blaney would race to gather enough points to defend his Cup Series championship title.

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Bubba Wallace reflects on Ryan Blaney winning the 2023 Cup Series championship

On finishing 10th in the final points standing in the 2023 season, Bubba Wallace addressed his state of mind when his good friend Ryan Blaney won his maiden championship title.

#23: Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing, Toyota Camry McDonald's gets a hug from #12: Ryan Blaney, Team Penske, Ford Mustang Menards (Image via Getty)

Instead of celebrating at the after-party post-Phonix race, Wallace flew back home to reflect upon his season so far. Later, the Alabama native said (via AP News):

"Sitting here on the couch questioning everything,” he posted. “You would think your bud winning the championship would bring that joy and excitement back. Sadly it did not."

Wallace added:

"He[Ryan Blaney] called me a couple days later and I was like, ‘Man, I guess you winning the championship sent me into depression. Like congrats, but I don’t want to see that,"

Furthermore, Wallace's understanding friend Blaney had the same sentiment when Chase Elliott won the 2020 Cup Series title.