NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace recently opened up about his performance following a remarkable showing at the Bass Pro Shops Night Race held at Bristol Motor Speedway. This high-stakes event marked the conclusion of the first round of the 2024 playoffs, with many drivers vying to secure their spot in the next phase. Wallace, piloting the #23 Toyota for 23XI Racing, competes full-time in the Cup Series and has faced numerous challenges throughout the season. Despite these early struggles, including several on-track incidents and moments of inconsistency, Wallace found a way to turn his season around. As the regular season progressed, he managed to gather momentum and deliver a series of solid performances that caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
However, despite Wallace’s renewed efforts, he narrowly missed out on a spot in the 2024 playoffs. Starting the Bristol Night Race in the 6th row from the 11th position, Wallace’s race day was a testament to his resilience and growing confidence. During the first two stages of the race, he secured top-10 finishes, demonstrating his ability to stay competitive. As the race entered its critical third stage, Wallace emerged as one of the frontrunners, ultimately securing an impressive third-place finish and earning a well-deserved podium spot. Following the race, Wallace took a moment to reflect on his performance during an interview with Brett McMillan of PRN Live. Wallace’s comments, shared via PRN Live on X, captured both his satisfaction with the race and his desire for continued improvement.
Reflecting on his results, Wallace said, “It’s good. I told Bootie [crew chief Bootie Barker] that we’re a 7th-12th place car. Still not good enough, gotta get two spots better, but still best in class in multiple categories. Makes you hungry for next year.” His statement revealed a mix of pride in the progress his team has made and a recognition of the need to keep pushing for even better results moving forward. Wallace’s podium finish at Bristol is a significant achievement given the ups and downs of his season, and it sets the stage for a strong comeback in the next Cup Series season.
The momentum Wallace has gained recently aligns with significant developments in his racing career, particularly his contract extension with 23XI Racing. Wallace’s team, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, was one of only two teams to opt out of signing NASCAR’s new charter agreement for the 2025 season. The decision raised questions about the team’s future, as well as the futures of its drivers. Despite these uncertainties, 23XI Racing announced that they had reached an agreement to extend Wallace’s contract, signaling the team’s confidence in their #23 driver. Wallace has been with the team since its founding and, while this season hasn’t always gone as planned, the extension shows that both the team and Wallace see great potential for success in the coming years.
Denny Hamlin, who not only co-owns 23XI Racing but also competes full-time in the Cup Series, has made it clear that he has high expectations for Wallace moving forward. In a pre-race interview at Bristol Motor Speedway, Hamlin discussed the team’s goals and what they expect from Wallace as they continue their partnership. “The #23 team needs to make the Playoffs every year. I think that is our expectation, and then make a deep run and finish in the top 10 in points,” Hamlin said, explaining the high standards the team has set for itself. “Just getting in, it is hard for me to say that is the only expectation, but it is an expectation, given the standards we are giving ourselves. He knows that he needs to get better. I think he has gotten better,” Hamlin added [5:25].
Hamlin’s comments highlight the team’s belief in Wallace’s talent, while also emphasizing that there is room for growth. The expectation is not just to make the playoffs, but to advance deep into the competition and secure strong finishes consistently. For Wallace, this means that while he has shown significant improvement, there will be increased pressure to deliver results that reflect the team’s ambitions.
Interestingly, Hamlin himself was facing playoff pressure going into the Bristol Night Race. He was just outside the top 12 heading into the event, needing a strong performance to advance to the next round of the playoffs. Rising to the occasion, Hamlin finished fourth in the race, just behind his 23XI Racing driver, Bubba Wallace, which allowed him to move on to the next round of the playoffs.
As the season progresses, Bubba Wallace’s performance at Bristol and his contract extension with 23XI Racing set a positive tone for his future. The challenges of this season, combined with the faith his team has placed in him, provide a strong foundation for Wallace to build on as he looks toward next year. With the backing of 23XI Racing and the leadership of co-owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, Wallace is positioned to make a significant impact in the Cup Series moving forward. However, with heightened expectations, Wallace will need to continue refining his skills and delivering consistent performances to meet the high bar set by his team and make deeper playoff runs in the future.
