As 23XI Racing continues its impressive climb in NASCAR, Bubba Wallace finds himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. While Tyler Reddick and the #45 team thrived in 2024—securing the Regular Season Championship and a Championship 4 appearance—Wallace and the #23 team lagged behind, unable to convert their potential into tangible success. NASCAR veteran Larry McReynolds believes the upcoming season could be make-or-break for Wallace, and the pressure is mounting.
Reddick’s Success Highlights Wallace’s Struggles
Tyler Reddick’s stellar 2024 campaign, which included two wins and consistent podium finishes, demonstrated the capabilities of 23XI Racing. In stark contrast, Wallace, despite showing speed and flashes of brilliance, failed to make the playoffs and extended his winless streak to 43 races. Reddick’s accomplishments—particularly with nearly identical setups and resources—raise questions about why the #23 team couldn’t replicate that success.
Larry McReynolds didn’t mince words when addressing the disparity:
“This is a pretty critical year for Bubba Wallace. Tyler Reddick won more races this year alone than Bubba has in his entire career. Two wins in 255 starts… I just feel like this is a pretty critical year for Bubba to go out there and contend for wins.”
Statistically Wallace’s Best Year—But Not Enough
By the numbers, Wallace had his best season in 2024, with 14 top 10s, six top 5s, and an average finish of 15.278. However, these stats aren’t sufficient for a team with championship ambitions. 23XI Racing’s rapid growth and the addition of a third car for Riley Herbst underscore the organization’s intent to compete at the highest level. Wallace’s lack of wins and inconsistency make his position increasingly precarious.
Massive Changes for the #23 Team
In an effort to rejuvenate the #23 team, 23XI Racing parted ways with longtime crew chief Bootie Barker and brought in Charles Denike. While Denike has a solid record in the Craftsman Truck Series, with nine wins and experience working with NASCAR talents like Chase Elliott and Sam Mayer, this marks his first foray as a Cup Series crew chief.
Bootie Barker admitted he was blindsided by the decision:
“I won’t lie; it was a surprise… Rarely does the crew chief get to decide how he’s going to go out. It just doesn’t work that way.”
The move signals that team owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin are unwilling to settle for mediocrity. Denike’s appointment is a gamble, but it reflects the urgency to turn the #23 team into a race-winning outfit.
What’s at Stake for Bubba Wallace?
For Wallace, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year. With a new crew chief, enhanced resources, and rising internal competition from teammates Tyler Reddick and Riley Herbst, the expectations are clear: Wallace must deliver wins and consistently contend at the front. Anything less could jeopardize his tenure with 23XI Racing.
The pressure isn’t lost on Wallace, who has faced his share of critics throughout his career. His ability to rise to the challenge in 2025 will determine whether he can keep pace with 23XI Racing’s meteoric rise—or be left behind.
Will the Gamble Pay Off?
The overhaul of the #23 team, combined with heightened expectations, makes 2025 a pivotal year for both Wallace and 23XI Racing. If Wallace and Denike can gel and deliver results, they’ll cement the #23 team’s place as a championship contender. But if inconsistency continues to plague the team, it could spell the end of Wallace’s tenure with an organization that clearly has its sights set on the top.
The stakes have never been higher, and the 2025 NASCAR season promises to be a pressure cooker for Bubba Wallace. Will he rise to the occasion—or crumble under the weight of expectations? Time will tell.
