Bubba Tolle: From the Stands to the Flag Stand
For 14 years, Bubba Tolle has been at the heart of the racing world, waving the flags that signal the highs and lows of competition. Central Arizona Raceway has been his home, and the checkered flag his passion. His journey from a young fan in the grandstands to one of Arizona’s most respected flagmen is a story of dedication, resilience, and a lifelong love for racing.
Tolle’s fascination with flagging began at just 4 years old. Sitting in the stands at Central Arizona Raceway, he waved a checkered flag of his own, mimicking the moves of the flagman on the stand. Week after week, his focus never wavered, and soon he had his own full set of flags, practicing during the races. By age 11, his enthusiasm caught the attention of security, who gave him a choice: put the flags away or leave. But Central Arizona Raceway’s promoter at the time, saw potential in the young fan. Instead of being sent away, Tolle was welcomed alongside Ernie and Leroy Ashcraft, where he learned the ropes of flagging up close.
“I never looked back,” Bubba Tolle recalls. From those early days in the stands to becoming the full-time flagman at Central Arizona Raceway, he’s lived a dream that started with a simple checkered flag.
For Tolle, every race holds a special memory, but one moment stands out: waving the double checkers for a local racer he grew up with as they celebrated their first win. “It was pure joy,” Tolle shares. To him, the double checkers at the end of the main event aren’t just a signal of victory, they’re his personal salute to every driver who made the A Feature.
But being a flagman isn’t just about the celebration. It’s also about maintaining fairness on the track. “To whoever doesn’t follow the rules, the black flag is waiting,” Bubba says with a grin. “I’d even black flag Brad Whitfield [the current promoter] if he deserved it!” Still, Tolle’s gratitude for the opportunity to do what he loves is unwavering. “Brad, thank you for letting me pursue my passion,” he adds.
Tolle’s passion for racing runs deep, and his dream race? “Nothing beats a Saturday night weekly show,” Bubba Tolle explains, “but if I had to choose, it’d be Eldora for the World 100.” Even so, he insists there’s nothing he would change about his journey.
To those aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Tolle offers simple yet powerful advice: “It’s not an easy job, but be passionate about it. Better yourself week in and week out.” And he always carries the words of his mom with him: “Wave them proud.”
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