It costs a lot of money to get an entry into pro stock car racing – something that longtime driver Brad Perez knows all too well. Fortunately, he has a friend in 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace, who decided to shell out some cash for Perez to continue his racing dream.
On Tuesday, Perez took to X – hat in hand – and announced that he is hoping to raise money to get an entry into several upcoming NASCAR races. The main ones he’s looking to get into are the ones at Martinsville, Charlotte, Darlington and Kansas.
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“hey everyone, i wanted to say thank you all so much for the help. the arca race is covered. however the oreilly opportunity slipped away. still trying to lock in some open ride opportunities for martinsville, charlotte, darlington and kansas. thanks again, it means the world,” Perez wrote.
Not long after, Wallace took to X and announced that he would be willing to put up $15,000 of his own money to get Perez to the starting line. He even went the extra mile by calling on NASCAR legends like Ryan Blaney, Kevin Harvick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. to help out.
“I like martinsville😉 I’m in for 15k. Let’s get some more funds for my dawg here to go race! @Blaney @KevinHarvick @DaleJr,” Wallace wrote in a repost.
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Cheers for Wallace
Fans of both Wallace and Perez were proud to see the 23XI driver shelling out his own money to help Perez make his NASCAR dream a reality.
“In case anyone needed more proof Bubba is a great dude,” one user proudly replied.
“I wish this was more common. Cup drivers could put whatever “brand” they wanted on the car. So much young talent is sitting at home and it sucks. This sport isn’t talent based anymore but the cup drivers could help with that. Awesome move,” wrote another, tagging Wallace.
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“I wasn’t the biggest fan, but since you became a dad, I can really see a change , you’ve become one of the most likeable & fun person to watch, been a fan of @rajahcaruth_ since day 1 and love what has become of that young man, a good credit of that goes to you as well,” a third wrote.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 01: Brad Perez, driver of the #53 Bonesteel Aerospace Chevrolet, drives during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 121 at the Chicago Street Course on July 01, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)Sean Gardner/Getty Images
(Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Perez has been racing for over a decade but has seldom found teams willing to give him any extended time in their cars. He’s had 19 races in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, five in the Craftsman Truck Series, four in the ARCA Menards Series and two in the ARCA Menards Series West.
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In 2025, Perez competed in seven races for Alpha Prime Racing and once for SS-Green Light Racing. He finished with 56 points – 44th overall – and did not finishing inside the top-20. But he remains a fan favorite for his relentless passion for racing.
Wallace will always have his critics but anyone criticizing this move is simply not a serious person.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the NASCAR section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
