Speed and thrill run deep in both drivers’ DNA. Remember the pod races Anakin Skywalker competed in during The Phantom Menace? Those were as competitive as a Cup Series race—though arguably, the stakes were even higher. This year, that high-octane history seems to be repeating itself. After a successful X-Wing-inspired car wrap at Phoenix Raceway last season, Bubba Wallace is back with something even more exciting.
The 23XI Racing driver is set to showcase a paint scheme, helmet, and racing suit inspired by none other than Darth Vader. Yes, you read that right. Wallace’s best friend, Ryan Blaney, who’s known for his love of Star Wars, is bound to be envious.
Last season, Wallace joined the rebellion with a helmet and firesuit that paid homage to the alliance’s pilots from the original trilogy. The X-Wing-inspired car, unveiled at Phoenix Raceway, was even presented by Star Wars icon Mark Hamill himself. This time, the Alabama native has embraced the dark side with a Darth Vader-inspired livery, presented in a promotional video featuring Hayden Christensen.
With a striking black and red paint scheme, Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota captures Darth Vader’s menacing aesthetic. The red accents nod to Vader’s red lightsaber, while his helmet and firesuit echo the Sith Lord’s design. Wallace’s helmet, featuring black and shades of gray, resembles Vader’s iconic mask. In a promo clip, Christensen welcomes Wallace to the dark side, to which Wallace replies with the memorable line, “This is where the fun begins,” from Revenge of the Sith.
Wallace’s suit reflects Vader’s armor, incorporating similar vertical patterns, a matching belt, chest piece, and shoulder pauldron—but without being overly literal. Columbia Sportswear’s Chris Araujo noted, “Vader’s hard armor beneath his cape was something we had to include.”
Predictably, Ryan Blaney was quick to react, posting a shocked emoji on X. After nearly winning at Homestead-Miami, Blaney is feeling some serious FOMO. The reigning Cup Series champion has been asking his best friend for a Star Wars-inspired helmet since last season.
