CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Freddie Kraft, longtime spotter for NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace, took to X on Wednesday to poke fun at his driver’s age after learning a young racer will honor Wallace with a throwback paint scheme at this weekend’s CARS Tour Throwback Classic at Hickory Motor Speedway. The playful jab underscores the duo’s well-known camaraderie, a fan favorite in the NASCAR community.
Kraft posted on X, “Damn @BubbaWallace. You so old people are doing throwback schemes of your stuff?! 👀” The tweet, shared at 12:15 p.m. EDT on July 23, 2025, referenced 16-year-old Isaac Kitzmiller’s decision to run a throwback scheme inspired by Wallace’s No. 76 car from his 2008 victory at Caraway Speedway. Kitzmiller, a rising star in the ARCA Menards Series East, chose the design to pay tribute to Wallace, who has mentored him at tracks like Dover.
The CARS Tour event at Hickory, set for Aug. 2, features drivers showcasing retro paint schemes. Kitzmiller’s tribute highlights Wallace’s early career success in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, where he and Kraft first teamed up, winning their debut race together at Greenville-Pickens Speedway in 2010. The throwback scheme has sparked buzz, with Kitzmiller aiming for a $30,000 prize and a chance to boost Wallace’s reputation amid mixed fan sentiment.
Wallace, 31, and Kraft have shared a 15-year partnership, marked by two Cup Series wins at Talladega (2021) and Kansas (2022). Their bond, rooted in playful banter, often spills onto social media, delighting fans. Kraft’s tweet drew reactions, including one from user @HardintheWall, who quipped about Wallace’s early racing days, saying, “I have nightmare flashbacks to Greenville Pickens and Bubba missing a shift on the start when I see that scheme!”
Freddie Kraft is funny!
Kitzmiller, leading the ARCA Menards Series East points standings, told FloRacing that running Wallace’s throwback scheme is a “thank you” for his guidance. “Bubba has been racing Summer Shootout with us at Joe Ryan Race Cars. He’s been really nice to me,” Kitzmiller said. He hopes a win at Hickory could spotlight Wallace’s influence.
Wallace, currently 13th in Cup Series standings, is chasing a playoff spot with five races left. Kraft’s lighthearted jab adds levity to their high-stakes season, reminding fans of their enduring chemistry. As Kitzmiller races at Hickory, Wallace’s legacy gets a nod, proving his impact endures, even if his spotter teases him for being “old.”
