Freddie Kraft, Bubba Wallace’s long-time spotter, recently found a humorous and sarcastic way to address Wallace’s critics following the driver’s contract extension with 23XI Racing. Taking to his official X account (formerly known as Twitter), Kraft seized the opportunity to poke fun at the naysayers who often criticize Wallace’s performance.
The big news came as Wallace secured a multi-year contract extension with 23XI Racing, the NASCAR team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and racing veteran Denny Hamlin. This extension ensures that the Alabama-born driver will remain part of the Huntersville-based team through the 2025 season and beyond, reaffirming the organization’s belief in his capabilities despite a challenging season.
23XI Racing officially announced the extension with a sleek 10-second video shared on their X account. The video featured Wallace, accompanied by a bold caption stating:
“From day one, Bubba has been an integral part of 23XI. We’re excited to announce that he has signed a multi-year renewal and will continue to play a key role in helping 23XI grow and succeed. #ForwardTogether”
As the announcement made waves on social media, Kraft responded with a witty, sarcastic remark. Quote-tweeting the team’s post, he wrote:
“Well (s**t emoji). Was hoping for someone new (annoyed emoji).”
Kraft’s tongue-in-cheek comment was a clear jab at those who have doubted Wallace’s future with the team, turning the criticism on its head by implying the opposite of his actual sentiment—one of continued support for the driver.
Wallace’s contract renewal comes during a tumultuous period for 23XI Racing, as the team navigates an ongoing dispute with NASCAR over charter agreements. The unresolved charter negotiations have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the team’s participation in the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series season. Despite these challenges, Jordan and Hamlin made the decision to move forward with Wallace, demonstrating their commitment to him as a vital part of their future plans.
The charter situation, which affects 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, has created uncertainty for not only Bubba Wallace but also his teammate Tyler Reddick, and Front Row drivers Michael McDowell and Todd Gilliland. These drivers’ futures have been thrown into question as their teams are two of the only organizations yet to sign NASCAR’s upcoming charter agreement. The charters, which are critical for ensuring team entry into races and securing financial rewards, are essential for the sustainability of NASCAR teams.
Neither 23XI Racing nor NASCAR has shown signs of backing down from their respective positions regarding the charter negotiations, which has understandably left Wallace feeling frustrated. He recently opened up about the uncertainty he faces in light of the charter situation, explaining that his future in the sport could be significantly impacted if the dispute isn’t resolved.
“I know my process has been kind of going hand in hand with the charter agreements,” Wallace shared in an interview with Frontstretch. “So, it’s frustrating to see where we’re at because that impacts my life, my livelihood, and everything moving forward for my future.”
Wallace’s concerns are valid, given the central role charters play in a team’s ability to compete effectively in the Cup Series. Without a finalized agreement, there’s a looming question mark over how 23XI will navigate the next season. For Wallace, this uncertainty touches every aspect of his career and personal life, as his place within the team—and the sport itself—could be jeopardized by the lack of resolution.
While Wallace’s contract extension provides some stability, the 2023 season itself has not been without challenges. Wallace failed to qualify for the 2024 NASCAR playoffs after a regular season that saw him unable to secure a race win. With 28 races completed, Wallace currently sits 19th in the driver standings, having accumulated 697 points. Although his playoff hopes were dashed, Wallace has still shown moments of strong performance throughout the season.
Meanwhile, his teammate Tyler Reddick has qualified for the playoffs and is in the midst of a fierce competition for the championship. Reddick’s success has contrasted with Wallace’s struggles, highlighting the competitive nature of the team and the high standards expected from its drivers.
As Wallace prepares for the remainder of the season and beyond, the combination of his contract extension and the uncertainty around the charters presents a complex situation for both him and the team. Nevertheless, with the backing of 23XI Racing and the leadership of Jordan and Hamlin, Wallace remains focused on proving his value as a driver, determined to make his mark in the upcoming races.
