Even NASCAR’s toughest drivers, who routinely push the limits at 180 mph, admit that popping the big question can be a nerve-wracking experience. In a hilarious video shared by NBC, several NASCAR stars, including 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace, recounted their memorable—and often awkward—engagement stories, proving that even the most fearless athletes aren’t immune to proposal jitters.
Bubba Wallace: Deer in the Headlights Moment
Bubba Wallace, known for his cool composure on the track, hilariously revealed how his proposal to now-wife Amanda Carter didn’t exactly go as planned. Despite receiving advice from Amanda’s sister to “just say something” and not freeze in the moment, Wallace admitted that he did the exact opposite.
“I just sat there, terrified, with this deer-in-the-headlights look,” Wallace shared, laughing at himself. “I didn’t ask her to marry me; I just froze. But somehow, it worked out, and here we are.” Wallace and Amanda tied the knot in 2023 and are now proud parents to a son.
Austin Dillon’s Airport Mishap
Meanwhile, Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon had his own pre-proposal fiasco when airport security nearly spoiled the surprise. As his bag was inspected, the engagement ring was revealed for all to see. Fortunately, the unexpected hiccup didn’t derail the day.
“My bag got checked going through security, and the ring was in there,” Dillon recalled. “Luckily, she didn’t see it, and the moment stayed special.”
The Human Side of NASCAR’s Heroes
For fans used to seeing these drivers exhibit nerves of steel on the racetrack, their endearing proposal mishaps are a reminder that they’re just as human as the rest of us. The anecdotes highlighted not only their love for their partners but also the genuine effort they put into making their special moments unforgettable—even if things didn’t go entirely as planned.
Behind the Scenes of Love and Laughter
The video, shared with the caption, “What’s it like when NASCAR drivers pop the question? 💍” offered a lighthearted look into the personal lives of the drivers, showing a side of them rarely seen by fans. It’s clear that these athletes, while masters of speed and precision, aren’t immune to the pressures of life’s most vulnerable moments.
From frozen proposals to airport near-disasters, these stories are a testament to the fact that it’s often the imperfections that make the most memorable moments. For Wallace, Dillon, and their fellow drivers, these slip-ups have only added to the charm of their love stories.