This weekend, Bubba Wallace will be without spotter Freddie Kraft after Kraft’s father passed away on Saturday morning. Kraft and Wallace have worked together for a number of years and the NASCAR spotter is a host of Dirty Mo Media’s Door, Bumper, Clear podcast.
On Saturday morning, Kraft posted to his Facebook about the passing of his father. As a well-liked member of the NASCAR community, he has received a ton of support and kind messages during this difficult time.
“It’s with great sadness that we have to share our dad Tom Kraft passed away this morning,” Kraft posted on Facebook. “We know everyone would like to help any way they can. At this time we just need some time to wrap our heads around this heartbreaking news. We are thankful for all of your support throughout this long week. We will share the arrangements when they are made.”
Of course, the NASCAR world has lent its support to Kraft during this time. He is most known for his work with Bubba Wallace. However, Kraft and his family live and breathe motorsports. This is a tough time for the spotter and his family. Wallace and his team will be able to make due in the meantime as their friend and coworker gets things figured out.
Nick Payne, Tyler Reddick’s spotter, will be in Wallace’s ear for practice and qualifying. The two drivers are in different groups. It is still a decision on who will spot for the 23 team in the Cook Out 400.
Bubba Wallace with a points lead on the bubble
Right now, Bubba Wallace is in a good position, not great, for the playoffs. He sits at 15th in the standings and has a 27-point advantage over the cutline. That is more or less a race worth of points. Richmond is not a track Wallace performs great at, but he might be able to pick up more points. He seems to be feeling good lately.
Without his main spotter things will be more difficult. Drivers and spotters develop a repertoire over the weeks, months, and years of working together. Having a different voice with maybe a different outlook on things can really make it tough for drivers.
Wallace is more or less in control of his own destiny. The plan is simple for this weekend, pick up points. You can possibly win the Michigan race next weekend, so why not play it safe and wait for your big chance a week from now?
Another top-10 finish this week would go a long way to pushing Bubba Wallace further above the cutline and more comfortably in the playoff picture.