In a significant move, 23XI Racing has announced that veteran crew chief Bootie Barker will transition into a competition leadership role at the conclusion of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. This decision brings an end to Barker’s tenure atop the pit box for Bubba Wallace and the No. 23 team, a partnership that has yielded memorable successes and milestones.
Barker, who joined 23XI Racing in its inaugural season, has been instrumental in guiding Wallace to notable achievements, including the team’s first-ever Cup Series victory at Talladega Superspeedway in 2021. Reflecting on the transition, Barker expressed his gratitude:
“23XI has been good to me, and I hope I have been as good for 23XI. Loyalty is important to me, and I will continue to do all I can in my new role to help everyone here succeed.”
Stepping into the crew chief role for the No. 23 team in 2025 will be Charles Denike, who brings a wealth of experience from his successful tenure in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Denike has demonstrated a keen strategic mind and leadership, qualities that 23XI Racing believes will further elevate the performance of the No. 23 team.
Bubba Wallace, reflecting on the change, acknowledged the impact of his collaboration with Barker:
“Bootie has meant a lot to me and the No. 23 team. We’ve been together for some special moments, and I’m glad he’s still going to be a part of what we’re building at 23XI.”
The decision to restructure the team’s leadership was not made lightly. Dave Rogers, 23XI’s Director of Competition, emphasized the strategic nature of the move:
“As we began to look ahead to next season, we decided that Bootie’s experience would best serve the organization in a different role based at Airspeed. His input will continue to be an asset to our teams.”
As the 2024 season draws to a close, the focus shifts to building upon the foundation laid by Barker and embracing the fresh perspective that Denike will bring. This strategic realignment underscores 23XI Racing’s commitment to growth and competitiveness in the NASCAR Cup Series.
