NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace recently discussed his performance in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, which concluded the first round of the 2024 playoffs. Driving the #23 Toyota for 23XI Racing, Wallace has encountered various challenges throughout the season, including early setbacks and multiple incidents on the track. Nevertheless, as the season unfolded, he began to find his rhythm, delivering increasingly strong results. Despite his efforts, he just fell short of qualifying for the 2024 playoffs.
Starting from the 6th row in P11, Wallace finished in the top ten during the first two stages of the race. By the third stage, he positioned himself among the leaders and ultimately achieved a commendable third-place finish. In a post-race interview with PRN Live’s Brett McMillan, Wallace shared his thoughts on the significance of his performance, saying, “It’s good. I told Bootie, I said 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.”
Despite the disappointment of not making the playoffs, Wallace’s impressive showing in Bristol highlights his future potential. His team, 23XI Racing, was one of only two teams to reject the new charter agreement for the 2025 season, leading to speculation about the team’s future and Wallace’s role. However, 23XI Racing recently alleviated those concerns by announcing a contract extension for Wallace, affirming their confidence in the driver who has been with them since the team’s formation.
23XI Racing, co-owned by NBA icon Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, fields two cars in the Cup Series. Alongside Wallace’s #23 Toyota, Tyler Reddick drives the #45 car, having had an outstanding season as the regular season champion and currently vying for the Cup Series title. While Wallace’s season hasn’t matched Reddick’s success, his recent performances indicate that he still possesses the ability to be a competitive driver in the Cup Series.
The new charter agreement has stirred debate between NASCAR and 23XI Racing. Some speculated that Wallace’s contract extension might be connected to the team’s position on the charter. However, the decision to extend his contract reflects a firm commitment to his future with the team, despite the uncertainties surrounding the charter.
After the announcement of Wallace’s contract extension, Denny Hamlin shared his expectations for the upcoming season during a pre-race interview at Bristol. Hamlin emphasized the importance of performance, stating, “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. That is kind of our expectation of kind of where we are at. 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’s remarks indicate a belief in Wallace’s capacity for growth and improvement, while also recognizing the progress he has made during his time with 23XI Racing. Hamlin himself faced challenges in securing his playoff spot, finishing the Bristol race in P4, right behind Wallace, and successfully advancing to the next playoff round. The strong performances of both drivers at Bristol suggest that 23XI Racing is making strides forward, despite various obstacles.
As Wallace looks toward the 2025 season, he will carry the lessons learned this year, along with the pressure to meet his team’s high expectations. His recent Bristol performance serves as a testament to his talent, and with the continued support of 23XI Racing, Wallace is positioned to grow further as a Cup Series driver. Fans of both Wallace and NASCAR will undoubtedly keep a close eye on how he leverages this momentum in the seasons ahead, eager to see how he builds on his progress and faces the challenges that lie ahead.
Bubba Wallace looks to next season with confidence after his top 5 finish at Bristol!
