Ryan Blaney, the 2023 Cup Series champion, is a devoted Star Wars fan. He is well known for his deep fondness for the iconic space saga. Ryan Blaney has even etched Darth Vader’s visage on his leg in the form of a tattoo. But what could possibly make a NASCAR champion part ways with his hard-earned winnings? It’s a unique proposition that takes us into the world of Star Wars memorabilia.

In a delightful turn of events at the championship race weekend, Blaney’s close friend and fellow NASCAR driver, Bubba Wallace, made a statement that piqued the interest of Star Wars fans. Wallace sported a spectacular Star Wars-themed paint scheme, a matching helmet, and a firesuit during the event. However, for Blaney, this was an opportunity he couldn’t resist.

Ryan Blaney plans to use his championship earnings to bid on Bubba’s Star Wars gear

Blaney, who was dreaming of acquiring some of the unique Star Wars collectibles, saw a chance to realize his dream through a trade with the 23XI Racing driver. He was eager to get his hands on Bubba’s Star Wars-themed gear, especially the helmet and the firesuit.

Wallace, however, initially hesitated, hinting at the possibility of a trade by saying, “If he wins the championship, I might give it to him. Maybe. I’ve just always loved my helmets.” But Blaney remains hopeful and determined. According to Fox Sports, he expressed his desire, stating, “I was begging for his helmet. He said, one of them has got to go to the CEO of [sponsor] Columbia. One of them is going for auction. So I might have to be bidding on that one for an auction. Or I might be able to get a fire suit.” He found the firesuit “pretty awesome” and is ready to use his championship winnings to persuade Wallace into parting with it.

The exact amount that the Team Penske driver will receive for his championship victory depends on his contract. Still, taking into account bonuses and the team’s share of the payout, it’s expected to be at least a whopping $1 million. And Blaney has his sights set on a Star Wars-related shopping spree. He told Fox Sports, “I had some stuff on my list that I wanted to buy. Some Star Wars stuff that I’m definitely getting now. I found some original movie posters that they put out in front of the movie theaters back when the originals came out. I think I’m going to get those now.”

Watch This Story | Star Wars Saga: Bubba Wallace’s Galactic Surprise for Ryan Blaney

While the spotlight shines on Ryan Blaney’s championship victory and his quest for Star Wars treasures, Bubba Wallace’s own emotions have been on a rollercoaster ride after the season’s final race.

Bubba finds himself questioning about life after career-best season

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Despite his best NASCAR season yet, where he achieved career-best results and even saw his close friend Blaney win the championship, Bubba found it hard to find happiness after a late-race incident that had significant implications for another driver.

As the final race of the year reached its climax, Brad Keselowski‘s top 10 aspirations were at stake. The RFK Racing driver had defied the odds by starting from the back of the grid after missing the qualifying day on Saturday. He clawed his way into the top 10 during the race, only to see his hard-fought position jeopardized by a collision with Bubba Wallace.

The championship race weekend concluded, leaving Bubba Wallace in a somber state of mind. He took to social media to express his disappointment with his performance and how it had affected the #6 car. In a reflective note on his Instagram story titled ‘Life,’ Wallace shared, “Currently 3:42 am… sitting here on the couch questioning everything and I have no idea why. Climbed from the car today with little to no emotion. Frustrated with how our race ended and ending the #6 team’s top 10 run.”

In a revealing moment, Wallace shared that during his usual recourse to music in tough times, he had spent 3.5 hours in complete silence during a 5-hour plane ride. This indicated a deeper level of introspection, suggesting that the late-race incident had struck a chord within him. He described the “helpless feeling” as a significant challenge and expressed his difficulty in explaining his emotions to his wife. He wrote, “My wife can see that I’m off, but I don’t have the what or the why that I’m feeling this way to allow her to help me… To my peeps out there staring at a blank wall, I’m with you. Tomorrow is another day. Another opportunity. Keep after it. We gon be alright.”

READ MORE: “I’d Be Ready to Punch Something”: Bubba Wallace Confesses Immaturities of Past After Making Peace With Unlucky Playoff Heartbreak

Bubba Wallace’s introspective and heartfelt note reminds us that even amidst the thrill of racing, there are moments of contemplation and self-discovery. So, do you think Bubba will come back stronger next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.