NASCAR Team Reveals Bubba Wallace Replacement Plans

Freddie Kraft details 23XI Racing's contingency plans in case Bubba Wallace has to miss a race due to the birth of his child.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Freddie Kraft, the spotter for Bubba Wallace, revealed that 23XI Racing has multiple contingency plans in place in case Wallace has to miss a race due to the birth of his child. Kraft explained that the team's first option would be to have Corey Heim fill in, but they also have other backup drivers lined up depending on the timing of Wallace's potential absence. Kraft also discussed the situation with Alex Bowman at the COTA race, where Myatt Snider unexpectedly had to replace Bowman after he exited the car due to a heat-related issue.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into how NASCAR teams plan for unexpected driver absences, which can occur due to a variety of reasons including health issues or personal events like the birth of a child. It highlights the importance of having contingency plans in place to ensure teams can field a competitive car even when the primary driver is unavailable.

The details

Kraft revealed that 23XI Racing has three different backup plans in place in case Bubba Wallace has to miss a race due to the birth of his child, which is expected to happen around the Darlington race. The team's first option would be to have Corey Heim fill in, but that would require advance planning to adjust the car's setup. If Wallace has to leave at the last minute, the team has another backup driver lined up. Kraft also discussed the situation with Alex Bowman at COTA, where Myatt Snider unexpectedly had to replace Bowman after he exited the car due to a heat-related issue. Kraft was initially confused about the situation, as he thought Anthony Alfredo was supposed to be Bowman's backup driver.

  • Bubba Wallace's child is expected to be born around the Darlington race.
  • The Alex Bowman situation occurred at the COTA race.

The players

Freddie Kraft

The spotter for Bubba Wallace on the 23XI Racing team.

Bubba Wallace

The driver of the No. 23 car for 23XI Racing.

Corey Heim

A backup driver for 23XI Racing who could potentially replace Bubba Wallace if he has to miss a race.

Alex Bowman

The driver of the No. 48 car for Hendrick Motorsports who had to exit the COTA race due to a heat-related issue.

Myatt Snider

The driver who unexpectedly replaced Alex Bowman in the No. 48 car at the COTA race.

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What they’re saying

“I would have thought it would have been Alfredo. Myatt was the only one there. Whoever's standing around get in there. They should have took Regan (Smith) right off the broadcast. (Snider) said he just brings (his firesuit and helmet) everywhere because you can't drive if you don't have your stuff.”

— Freddie Kraft, Spotter for Bubba Wallace (Door Bumper Clear podcast)

“Bubba's going to have a baby here in the next month and we're making plans for maybe him probably missing a race if he has to. But you've got to have like three plans. Because there's Corey (Heim)'s obviously on the list, and I think he's the A plan. But that has to happen almost a day in advance. Because Corey and Bubba don't line up in the car. So right now we have another guy.”

— Freddie Kraft, Spotter for Bubba Wallace (Door Bumper Clear podcast)

What’s next

The team will continue to monitor Bubba Wallace's situation and have their contingency plans in place in case he has to miss a race due to the birth of his child.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of NASCAR teams having robust backup plans in place to account for unexpected driver absences, whether due to health issues, personal events, or other unforeseen circumstances. It demonstrates the level of preparation and coordination required to ensure teams can field a competitive car even when the primary driver is unavailable.