Leaked images on social media show Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota Camry sporting a new fishing theme just days before the 2026 championship finale. The design features graphics inspired by Columbia’s Performance Fishing Gear line, with some fans comparing the aquatic look to a tarpon. While the visuals have sparked buzz across Reddit and X, neither Wallace nor 23XI Racing has confirmed the scheme yet. This potential reveal comes as the sport gears up for a massive showdown at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday, November 8.
NBC will begin broadcasting an hour before the 3 p.m. ET start of the championship race. Kyle Larson enters the event with a 67-point lead over Christopher Bell, needing just 9 points to secure his third title. Denny Hamlin sits in third, trailing Larson by 70 points and mathematically eliminated if Larson performs well. The top three drivers are the only ones who can leave Florida with the trophy, making every lap critical for the field.
Why the Fishing Theme Hits Different
Columbia has supported Wallace throughout the 2026 season, so another appearance at Homestead feels natural for the sponsor. What makes this design stand out is the clear nod to the brand’s fishing-focused range rather than a generic outdoor look. The leaked visuals give the car a distinct aquatic theme that connects directly to the outdoor lifestyle many fans in the South embrace. It shows a driver who understands his sponsors and the community he races in.
Some drivers get caught up in politics or trying to make a statement that divides the crowd. Wallace seems focused on the track and the brand partnership that has helped him succeed. A fishing theme fits the sport of racing and the outdoorsy roots of NASCAR better than any protest sign ever could. It brings the sport back to its core values of competition and connection to the land.
Chaos on the Track Before the Finale
While the paint scheme leaks, the tension on the track remains high after a messy race at Martinsville. Carson Hocevar faced scrutiny for brake-checking Austin Cindric multiple times, causing severe damage to Cindric’s No. 2 Ford. Cindric expressed his frustration over the team radio, shouting, according to Yahoo Sports, “NASCAR, what are we doing? Like, we’re just weaponizing cars here. I stack on entry with the guy and he has a mental breakdown.”
This incident raises serious questions about whether NASCAR needs to step in and punish drivers who use their cars as weapons. Hocevar has a history of aggressive moves, including a $50,000 fine and 25-point deduction in 2024 for a similar incident with Harrison Burton. Fans want hard racing, but they do not want drivers intentionally slowing down to cause crashes or endanger others on the track.
The championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway will be 267 laps covering 400 miles of intense action. NBC will air the event while HBO Max streams it for those who want to watch from home. International viewers can check the official broadcast guide for their local listings. The green flag drops at 3 p.m.