Kenny Wallace, a veteran NASCAR figure, recently made a passionate defense of Bubba Wallace, calling out fans who fake hostility towards him. As someone deeply involved in the sport, Kenny has witnessed firsthand the real admiration that Bubba receives. He finds it puzzling how some fans pretend to dislike the 23XI Racing driver when, in reality, he’s a rising star with a large following in NASCAR.
Bubba Wallace is currently in his seventh full-time season in the Cup Series and his fourth season with the Huntersville-based 23XI Racing team, a joint venture between NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. He made his debut with the team at the 2021 Daytona 500, marking a significant moment as he became the first driver for the newly established team. Since then, Bubba has had notable successes. His two career victories in the Cup Series came at Talladega Superspeedway and Kansas Speedway, showing his talent on the biggest stages. Alongside those wins, Bubba has racked up 18 top-5 finishes and 33 top-10 finishes, solidifying his presence in NASCAR.
However, despite his success, Bubba has had his share of critics. One of the most talked-about incidents occurred at the 2022 Las Vegas Motor Speedway when he was involved in a collision with Kyle Larson. While Bubba insisted the crash was an accident, many fans interpreted it differently, fueling negative reactions towards him. Yet, Kenny Wallace isn’t buying into this narrative. He believes that most of the criticism towards Bubba is superficial and that the driver is actually a fan favorite.
Kenny pointed out that some people pretend to dislike Bubba because it’s the trendy thing to do, but that doesn’t reflect the reality. In truth, the Alabama-born driver has carved out a prominent spot for himself in NASCAR, with many fans admiring him for his abilities, determination, and resilience. Kenny’s perspective is built on his personal observations, especially when he’s seen how fans react to Bubba in real life.
During one event, Kenny recalls the electric atmosphere when Bubba appeared. Fans were buzzing with excitement, and as soon as he walked off the stage, many flocked to get his autograph, further demonstrating Bubba’s widespread appeal. Kenny emphasized that although some pretend to boo or act disinterested, the reality is that Bubba is a star, and it’s evident when fans eagerly wait for a chance to meet him.
Despite his fan base and undeniable talent, Bubba Wallace’s 2023 season hasn’t been without its challenges. Although he delivered several strong performances, including a sixth-place finish at Daytona, he failed to qualify for the playoffs, which was a disappointment for both him and his team. After a particularly tough outing in Atlanta, where he finished 29th following a crash caused by Chase Elliott, Bubba was candid about his need to improve. “I need to step up my game,” he admitted, reflecting on the Atlanta race.
Bubba started the Darlington race on a high note by earning the pole position, but despite this promising beginning, he finished 16th. In contrast, other drivers in the field, like Harrison Burton, who won at Daytona, and Chase Briscoe, who took home the win at Darlington, clinched playoff spots. This left Bubba below the cutline, ending his hopes of making the playoffs for the season. While Bubba struggled, his teammate Tyler Reddick had a much stronger showing throughout the regular season and secured a spot in the playoffs without much trouble.
At Atlanta, things didn’t go as planned for Bubba right from the start. Qualifying 24th, he found himself struggling throughout the race, finishing 33rd in both stages before the chaotic final lap. A crash involving Chase Elliott only added to Bubba’s woes, leaving him in 29th place at the end of the day.
Following this rough stretch, Bubba acknowledged that improvements were necessary. “You can only hope to be competitive, and that’s where we find ourselves,” he said, reflecting on his season. Although things haven’t gone his way, Bubba remains optimistic. He knows that his car has the potential to win races, and his focus is on improving with each race weekend. He’s committed to stepping up his game and aiming for better results, even if he’s not in the playoff picture this season.
As Bubba looks ahead to the next ten weeks of racing, his goal is to continue improving and finding success. While the playoffs are out of reach for him, his teammate Reddick is still in the championship hunt, currently sitting in fourth place in the playoff standings. Reddick’s success only adds to the contrast between the two drivers’ seasons, with Bubba falling short of the playoffs while Reddick has had a smooth path into the postseason.
Bubba Wallace’s journey in NASCAR has been filled with ups and downs, from his breakthrough as the first Black driver to win a Cup race in decades, to dealing with the pressures and criticisms that come with being in the spotlight. However, his resilience and dedication to the sport have earned him respect within the NASCAR community. While some fans may continue to criticize him, Kenny Wallace’s observations show that the noise surrounding Bubba often doesn’t match the reality. Bubba Wallace is a star, admired by many for his talent, grit, and determination.
Kenny’s defense of Bubba isn’t just about addressing the negativity but also about highlighting the love and respect Bubba receives from true fans. Despite the challenges Bubba has faced, both on and off the track, it’s clear that he remains a key figure in NASCAR, one whose story is still being written. The future holds plenty of promise for Bubba Wallace, and as Kenny Wallace said, those who pretend to dislike him are just ignoring the obvious: Bubba Wallace is a star, and his presence in the sport is only growing.
A NASCAR insider stepped up to silence Bubba Wallace’s critics, declaring, “I saw it firsthand,” and emphasizing, “the man is well-known.”
