Bubba Wallace shares Ryan Preece's hilarious 'Days of Thunder' joke after Daytona wreck

After Daytona, Bubba Wallace messaged both Ryan Blaney and Ryan Preece to check in on his friends and make sure they were doing alright. Both Ryans took hard hits at Daytona. Preece went for a ride as he flipped in the grass on the backstretch around 10 or more times in one of the worst-looking NASCAR wrecks in recent memory.

Thankfully, both Blaney and Preece are doing well. Bubba Wallace was able to report that his good pal Blaney felt better than he did after the Nashville wreck. That’s the difference between a SAFER barrier and a concrete wall.

While talking during NASCAR Playoffs Media Day, Wallace let everyone know that Preece was fine. His body, and his sense of humor, were both intact, according to this video from Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports.

“One thing I did was call both of them right away, text both of them right away – continue to check up on them to see how they were feeling, see if there’s been any progress. Preece,” Wallace laughed, “Preece is Preece, love him. Texted him Monday and he said he can confirm that Nicole Kidman does not work at the hospital in Daytona, and I lost it when he said that. So, he was good there. Blaney, Blaney was better than Nashville so I thought that was an improvement. Obviously hits off the [SAFER barrier] wall versus concrete.”

Bubba Wallace said he texted both Ryan Blaney and Ryan Preece to make sure they were OK and Preece responded with a reference to the movie “Days of Thunder.” pic.twitter.com/WqYgSvourI

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 31, 2023

Thankfully, both Ryan Blaney and Ryan Preece will be able to race this weekend despite their big wrecks.

Bubba Wallace’s first playoff run

This is the first time that Bubba Wallace has been part of the media days press gaggle for the NASCAR Playoffs. As a first-timer in the postseason, there is a lot of pressure but also, no pressure. It depends on how Wallace and his team are approaching the playoffs and what their goals are.

As the 16th driver in the standings, it will be very hard to come out on the other end and make the Round of 12. However, when you look at drivers like Michael McDowell, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Kevin Harvick, and even Ross Chastain – Wallace might have the best chance at a win in these three races.

Those other drivers are capable. Harvick has won at Darlington. Stenhouse has come so close at Bristol before. Ross Chastain has run well at all three tracks, including Kansas this season, and in the past.

However, in the closing weeks of the regular season, Bubba Wallace remained the steadiest. He hasn’t had a top-10 finish since New Hampshire. However, he was P4 at Kansas and P5 at Darlington this season. Wallace won at Kansas in the postseason a year ago.

Bubba Wallace points raced very well to end the regular season. I expect them to throw a couple of haymakers at Darlington and Kansas to try and get a win at all costs, instead of continuing that trend. With how well he’s done points racing, it would be hard to argue against it if they did keep on with it.