When Denny Hamlin announced Bubba Wallace as the latest addition to the 23XI family, he did so with resounding confidence. With over 100 race starts under his belt, Wallace had established a reputation in the racing community. His performance at the 2020 Las Vegas race had certainly left its mark. Hamlin, along with co-owner Michael Jordan, were convinced that they had made the right choice, not least because of Wallace’s outspoken stance on diversity.
However, results have not been as ideal as expected. In three years with the team, Wallace has only managed two wins and several unsatisfactory finishes. This has led some to question his suitability for the team. But despite the criticism, Wallace’s faith in his team remains unshaken. He credits Jordan and his team for their unwavering support, which has reinstated his confidence, as evidenced by his contract renewal.
Wallace’s 2024 season was lackluster at best. But even in the face of adversity, Jordan and Hamlin extended his contract. When asked if this security was beneficial, Wallace, known for his honesty, responded affirmatively. He acknowledged the need to be competitive and take responsibility when he falls short. He admitted that the stress of the past two seasons was taking a toll on him, but he remained committed to improving his performance.
Despite flashes of brilliance in his 36 races, Wallace’s season was marked by an underwhelming 18th place finish with 878 points and a 15.28 average. His promising start—filled with Top 15 and Top 5 finishes—quickly lost momentum. “Starting out really hot, but Wallace goes quiet for three months,” he admitted. But with a renewed contract, he has the opportunity to start afresh.
Fatherhood has also given Wallace a fresh perspective. The birth of his son in late 2024 seems to have had a positive impact on him, motivating him to leave a lasting legacy in NASCAR. With Michael Jordan’s support and a determined team, Wallace is poised to rewrite his racing narrative.
On the eve of the new season, Wallace shared his resolve to improve. “Excited for this season to get underway. Took it upon myself to be better and do better. Got my ass kicked the last two seasons, plain and simple,” he said. And while his season started on a disappointing note with a DNF at Daytona, his win in the Duels and a 14th place qualification for Atlanta suggest a renewed mindset.
In the run-up to the Daytona 500, Wallace expressed sympathy for debutant Helio Castroneves, who had a forgettable race, being part of a massive wreck. Wallace felt bad for him, saying, “I sat there and I thought about it more, and I felt bad for him. I didn’t get a chance to talk to him, I’m sure he’s a great guy, but I’m pretty sure he probably left that whole weekend feeling like a complete clown.”
Castroneves had been criticized for his two crashes, one during the Duel and the other in the race. However, Freddie Kraft, Wallace’s spotter, defended him, saying, “He’s still Helio Castroneves, he does not suck!”
Wallace’s journey with the 23XI team has been a roller coaster ride, but with continued support from Jordan and Hamlin, a renewed contract, and newfound motivation, he is ready to take on the 2025 season with vigor. His journey is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity and the power of unwavering support.
