23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace has expressed his deep disappointment following the heartbreaking end to his playoff hopes after the intense Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, the final race of the 2024 NASCAR Cup regular season. Despite an impressive pole position and leading 37 laps, Wallace’s playoff aspirations were dashed with a 16th-place finish.
Both Wallace and Chris Buescher were in contention for the last playoff spot, but their hopes were shattered when Chase Briscoe took the win. Reflecting on the race, Wallace told the media, as reported by NASCAR.com:
“We just weren’t good enough, it’s as simple as that. During the last two-thirds of the race, I was hoping the 11 [Denny Hamlin] and 5 [Kyle Larson] would stay up front because the 14 [Briscoe] was really fast.
“So who won? The goalpost moved again. They were better and deserved it, so congratulations to the 14. We’ll come back tomorrow and push even harder. That’s how sports go—you have your ups and downs. We need to put this weekend and the disappointment of missing the playoffs behind us and focus on giving our all for the next 10 [races].”
23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan also spoke after the race, sharing his thoughts:
“But that’s what NASCAR is all about, and I enjoy it. I don’t have basketball anymore, but this could easily replace it. It’s exciting. “Everyone wants something, but nothing comes for free,” he said, recalling the advice he gave Wallace before the race. “If you want more, it’s going to cost more, and that means you have to put in the effort. He understands that.”
Meanwhile, Wallace’s teammate at 23XI Racing, Tyler Reddick, secured the 2024 NASCAR Regular Season Championship. Reflecting on the achievement, Reddick said:
“Yeah, it’s a testament to all the hard work everyone at 23XI puts in, both at the race track and back at Airspeed, week in and week out. We’re in Year 4 of their goals, and it’s been really fun to be part of this process over the last two years, building towards where we want to be.”
Bubba Wallace Shares Heartache Over NASCAR Playoff Setback After Darlington Pole Victory.
