23XI Racing has long been known for its strong team-oriented environment, where drivers, crew members, and staff share a sense of camaraderie. Bubba Wallace plays a key role in fostering that spirit, maintaining lighthearted yet respectful relationships with his teammate Tyler Reddick and spotter Freddie Kraft. Now, with a major leadership shift in his team, Wallace is ensuring the same approach with his new crew chief.
At the conclusion of the 2024 season, 23XI Racing made a significant move by replacing Bootie Barker as the crew chief of the No. 23 car. Stepping into the role is Charles Denike, a Craftsman Truck Series crew chief with an impressive background but no prior Cup Series experience. With the 2025 season just weeks away, Wallace is prioritizing his relationship with Denike to ensure a smooth transition.
Looking at past successful driver-crew chief relationships, Wallace understands the value of a close working dynamic. Legendary pairings like Kevin Harvick and Rodney Childers or Denny Hamlin and Chris Gabehart have shown that mutual trust leads to victories. Wallace wants to develop a similar bond with Denike, knowing that adapting to the Cup Series will be a tough challenge for his new crew chief.
In a recent interview on NASCAR Live, Wallace expressed admiration for Denike, describing him as highly intelligent and disciplined due to his military background. However, he also acknowledged the steep learning curve ahead. Wallace is making an effort to connect with Denike on a personal level, even involving his family in the process to help them understand the demanding nature of the Cup Series schedule.
Beyond the seriousness of competition, Wallace also wants to create an enjoyable atmosphere. Recalling his instant success with Bootie Barker in 2021, when they won at Talladega, Wallace believes fun plays a crucial role in winning races. He emphasized to Denike that while victories are the goal, enjoying the journey is just as important.
Despite his enthusiasm for working with Denike, Wallace has not forgotten his former crew chief. The decision to remove Barker surprised him, especially after their four-year partnership. Their last win together came in 2022 at Kansas, and though success had been elusive since, Wallace still valued Barker’s impact on his career.
Wallace also acknowledged the sacrifices made by his team, highlighting that while he can travel with his family, his crew members do not have the same luxury. This awareness of their dedication further reflects his commitment to the entire team.
As Wallace and Denike prepare for the 2025 season, their developing partnership could be the key to a breakthrough year for the No. 23 team.
