Seven time NASCAR Cup series champion Dale Earnhardt wasn’t the type to let anyone pass him without a fight. But in the summer of 1986 at Pocono Raceway, something wild happened. As Earnhardt was fighting for the lead, the Hendrick Motorsport car ahead of him slowed down a little bit. Earnhardt snatched the opportunity and took the lead. But that was his biggest mistake. As soon as he took the lead heading into the front stretch, the Intimidator suddenly felt his car lift off the ground.
Then, in a stunning display of skill, the HMS driver let Earnhardt go before slingshotting past him to steal the win. The move was enough to make Earnhardt furious, yet he stayed calm and accepted his defeat. It was a shock for many as Earnhardt was known for his hard-going persona. But he stayed calm because the HMS driver was none other than his racing buddy and friend, Tim Richmond. After the race, Richmond’s voice crackled over the radio, “Did you like that?” His team owner Rick Hendrick could only laugh and admit, “Yeah, that was cool.”
It was one of those moves that established Richmond as a fan favorite in the NASCAR world. He had the talent to match his larger-than-life persona, but his career was tragically cut short due to illness. Even after his passing in 1989, Richmond’s legend continues to live on. Now, decades later, his name is back in the spotlight as NASCAR star Ryan Blaney brings out one of his iconic memorabilia. And in doing so, he finally has something that his best friend, Bubba Wallace, can’t match.
Ryan Blaney settles scores with Wallace!
Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace share a deep friendship, but when it comes to competition, all bets are off. Wallace once had something that Blaney desperately wanted—a custom Star Wars helmet from his promo shoots with Mark Hamill. The Penske driver, a massive Star Wars fan, practically begged Wallace for it. But Bubba? He wasn’t budging. Even after promising to gift it if Blaney won the championship, Wallace still hesitated.
“Even with me, he doesn’t trade helmets. What do you want? What do you want me to trade?” Blaney said last year, half-joking, half-frustrated. But now, Blaney has turned the tables. Instead of chasing Wallace’s Star Wars helmet, he just secured a piece of NASCAR history that is far more valuable. He recently added Tim Richmond’s iconic white-and-red helmet from the early 1970s to his collection. It’s a priceless artifact from a legend who lived life on the edge and left behind unforgettable memories on the track.
Ryan Blaney proudly showed off his new addition on social media, writing, “Newest piece to the helmet collection!” The helmet was worn by Richmond during multiple races in the early ’70s. It features details like Richmond’s blood group, date of birth, and even a note about a tetanus shot from August 1973. Notably, Richmond was the kind of racer who could win anywhere, anytime.
Newest piece to the helmet collection! pic.twitter.com/j8FpQNxRZJ
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) March 10, 2025
“I felt like Tim had so much God-given talent that I’d be willing to try to keep him between the ditches,” Rick Hendrick once said about Tim Richmond. In his brief yet impactful career, he won 13 races and collected 42 top-five finishes. He was more than just a great driver; he was a showman. He didn’t just race; he made it entertaining. Whether it was his flashy wardrobe, unpredictable antics, or raw talent, he left a lasting impression on NASCAR.
Now, decades later, Ryan Blaney has made sure that Richmond’s legacy remains alive. And in doing so, he has scored a win over his best friend. Blaney’s acquisition of the Richmond helmet is more than just a cool addition to his collection—it’s a statement. For months, Wallace teased Blaney about not getting the Star Wars helmet. He even joked about making Blaney bid for it at an auction. But now, Wallace has to concede to Blaney’s iconic collection. However, Wallace is currently working on his frustration as the ongoing 2025 season continues to haunt him.
Bubba Wallace’s struggles continue!
While Ryan Blaney is celebrating his priceless memorabilia, Bubba Wallace is dealing with frustration on the track. His recent outing at Phoenix Raceway ended early after a right-front tire failure, sending him into the wall. Initially thought to be a tire issue, it was later confirmed that his brakes had failed, giving him no chance to save the car. It was a tough break for Wallace, who had started the season with high expectations.
His frustration was evident in his post-race comments. “Unfortunately, I hate it. Had such a strong start to the season, but all in all, to be p—– off about it, it is what it is,” he told Fox Sports. Notably, his frustration was understandable as this was his second DNF in the last four races. He has just one top-10 finish, and that too in Atlanta. His recent struggles just added to the mounting frustration.
Wallace wasn’t the only 23XI Racing driver to struggle. His teammate Tyler Reddick also faced mechanical problems, dealing with power steering issues that left him finishing 20th. It was a disappointing day for the team, which had been hoping for a better showing at Phoenix. Now, Wallace shifts his focus to Las Vegas. The season is still young, but with mechanical failures and bad luck piling up, he needs a turnaround soon. The question is, can he put this setback behind him and get back in contention for a playoff spot?
The post ‘Jealous’ Ryan Blaney Finally Shuts Down Best Friend Bubba Wallace’s Arrogance With Priceless NASCAR Memorabilia appeared first on EssentiallySports.