On August 2nd at Hickory Motor Speedway, 16-year-old racer Isaac Kitzmiller will pay homage to Bubba Wallace by running a throwback tribute to Wallace’s first Late Model win from 2008. This Bubba Wallace 2008 victory tribute is gaining attention as Kitzmiller connects with the Alabama native’s legacy, seeking to highlight an often-overlooked milestone for the 23XI Racing driver.

Kitzmiller’s decision emphasizes the deep mentorship and respect Wallace has extended throughout his racing career, especially to up-and-coming drivers. As the CARS Tour prepares for its annual ‘Throwback Classic,’ the young racer’s choice stands out among many throwbacks reflecting NASCAR legends, drawing significant interest and offering Wallace a long-overdue tribute.

Isaac Kitzmiller Draws Inspiration from Bubba Wallace’s Mentorship

Despite Bubba Wallace’s frequent criticism within the NASCAR community and the backlash he encounters on social media, he has recently gained well-earned recognition through Isaac Kitzmiller’s dedicated throwback effort. Kitzmiller and his Rackley/WAR Racing team will run a tribute to Wallace’s No. 76 car, the one Wallace drove to his first Late Model victory at Carraway Speedway back in 2008, a race that took place before Kitzmiller was even born.

Kitzmiller explained the significance of his choice to FloRacing:

“It’s just a thank you for what he’s done for me. Bubba has been racing Summer Shootout with us at Joe Ryan Race Cars. I’ve got to know Bubba really well. He’s been really nice to me. But this year with my ARCA stuff he’s helped me out a lot with tracks like Dover and other places. He just gives me his input and what he thought the first time he went to those types of places. He’s a good guy.”

—Isaac Kitzmiller, Racer

Wallace’s 2008 victory with the No. 76 car holds special importance not only for him but also for Kitzmiller as a symbol of persistence and growth. The young driver revealed Wallace’s enthusiasm for the throwback idea, sharing,

“He kind of reminisced about it. He was asking me if I was going to run the chrome wheels with it, but I joked that I can’t run the chrome wheels. I’m just not a chrome guy.”

—Isaac Kitzmiller, Racer

This mentorship relationship extends beyond just Wallace and Kitzmiller. Veteran drivers such as Ron Hornaday Jr. and Kevin Harvick have also been influential in guiding Kitzmiller and other drivers at Joe Ryan Race Cars, fostering a strong support network for the incoming talent.

Throwback Schemes Stimulate Competition at the CARS Tour Classic

The CARS Tour’s ‘Throwback Classic’ has released a lineup of standout throwback car designs, fueling enthusiasm among fans and drivers. While Parker Eatmon honors Rusty Wallace with a Miller Genuine Draft No. 2 tribute and Seth Christensen showcases the iconic Alan Kulwicki No. 7 “Hooters Underbird,” Kitzmiller’s Bubba Wallace 2008 victory tribute is drawing particular attention due to its unique personal connection.

FloRacing will host a competition rewarding the best-presented throwback car with a $1,000 prize from TexaCon Cut Stone, and additional rewards including a $500 prize from the broadcaster and a fully equipped Next Gen Body Kit from Five Star Race Car Bodies. The runner-up will receive a car wrap from The Decal Source, while the third-place driver will get a set of decals. Kitzmiller is determined to claim the top prize even as the competition becomes more intense than ever before.

High Stakes as Kitzmiller Pursues First Pro Late Model Victory

Kitzmiller faces significant pressure at Hickory Motor Speedway, where $30,000 awaits the winner. This event represents a critical opportunity for the teenager to earn his first victory in the CARS Tour Pro Late Model division. Recently, he finished fourth at Dover Motor Speedway in the ARCA Menards Series 150-lap race, a result Kitzmiller credits in part to Wallace’s guidance on challenging tracks.

Currently leading the points in the ARCA Menards Series East and never finishing below seventh in five races this season, Kitzmiller sees the Hickory event as a pivotal moment. He expressed the importance of a win while running Wallace’s throwback design:

“That would be super, super cool. It would really mean a lot. It would be even cooler for Bubba too to do that while running his throwback. But it would be really cool for me to show my team, my sponsors, all the hard work that everyone has put in. So winning that $30,000 would really be awesome.”

—Isaac Kitzmiller, Racer

Bubba Wallace’s Quest for a Breakthrough Season Continues

Concurrently, Bubba Wallace is seeking his first NASCAR Cup Series win of the 2025 season. With the playoffs fast approaching and only five races left to secure an automatic spot, the 31-year-old driver of 23XI Racing’s No. 23 Toyota faces an urgent battle. Currently 13th in the standings, Wallace’s path to the postseason may hinge on consistent performances and avoiding additional winners claiming automatic playoff berths.

Kitzmiller’s throwback tribute could inspire renewed appreciation of Wallace’s impact both as a competitor and mentor in the racing community. By spotlighting Wallace’s early success, the tribute challenges the prevailing criticisms and offers a positive narrative around a driver who has long faced scrutiny.

Racing Legends and Emerging Stars Shape NASCAR’s Future

The ‘Throwback Classic’ not only honors past legends like Dale Earnhardt, Bill Elliott, and Richard Petty but also highlights the powerful connections between current stars and future racing talent. Kitzmiller’s choice to honor Wallace’s 2008 victory creates a symbolic link across generations, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and legacy in motorsports.

As the sport evolves, this event shines a light on how experienced drivers contribute to the growth of newcomers, fostering a hopeful future amid intense competition and an often unforgiving fanbase. Kitzmiller’s determination and Wallace’s leadership may well influence the sport’s narrative moving forward, demonstrating how respect and camaraderie on and off the track remain vital to NASCAR’s spirit.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Bubba Wallace a dad?

A. In September, Bubba Wallace became a father, and he is really enjoying the experience.