Bubba Wallace’s journey with 23XI Racing has been filled with both triumphs and setbacks. After joining the team in 2021 from Richard Petty Motorsports, he quickly made an impact, securing his first Cup Series victory at Talladega in 2021 and another win at Kansas in 2022 under the guidance of crew chief Bootie Barker. However, heading into 2025, Wallace finds himself working with a new crew chief, Charles Denike, after Barker was replaced. Despite early success, the past two seasons had been marked by struggles, missed opportunities, and a lack of wins, prompting 23XI Racing to make a change.
Wallace and Barker enjoyed a strong partnership, reaching the playoffs in 2023 based on points and advancing to the Round of 12. However, the following season saw Wallace miss the playoffs entirely. Despite posting his best statistical season in 2024—earning more top-5 and top-10 finishes than ever before—his inability to secure a win proved costly. Speaking with SiriusXM NASCAR, Wallace acknowledged that while their performance remained steady, they had reached a plateau, and the team felt a leadership change was necessary.
Denike, who previously found success in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, brings a structured and disciplined approach to the No. 23 team. Wallace admitted the transition felt different, noting that his relationship with Barker was more relaxed, while Denike emphasizes precision and execution. Despite his initial reservations, Wallace has embraced the shift, recognizing the potential for improvement under Denike’s leadership.
The changes have already yielded results. Wallace started the season strong with a top-5 finish at the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray and followed it up with a victory in the Daytona Duel, securing third place on the grid for the Daytona 500 and ending his winless streak. Denike praised Wallace’s natural talent and race awareness, emphasizing a focus on overall weekend efficiency and improved qualifying performance. Wallace, in turn, has responded positively to the new direction, determined to elevate his performance.
With an early win under his belt, the stage is set for an intriguing season. The key question remains—can Denike’s leadership propel Wallace to his first Daytona 500 victory and a breakout year in the Cup Series?
