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Bubba Wallace: Rising Star or Overhyped Contender? The NASCAR Debate Continues

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
December 16, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Bubba Wallace: Rising Star or Overhyped Contender? The NASCAR Debate Continues

Nov 9, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) during qualifying for the Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Bubba Wallace is once again in the spotlight, and for good reason. NASCAR’s 2024 season was a landmark year for 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. The outfit clinched its first-ever regular-season championship and saw Tyler Reddick make the Championship 4, outpacing stalwart teams like Joe Gibbs Racing. Meanwhile, Wallace quietly notched his best season yet, sparking both admiration and skepticism from fans and pundits alike.


Wallace’s Record-Breaking Season: A Turning Point?

Statistically, Wallace delivered his most consistent season in the Cup Series in 2024. With six top-5 finishes, fourteen top-10s, and an average finish of 15.28, Wallace demonstrated marked improvement over his previous campaigns.

These figures represent significant growth for a driver who has often faced scrutiny. Wallace’s rise has been gradual but steady, with the latter half of 2024 showcasing his ability to hold his own against the sport’s elite. Over the final 15 races of the season, Wallace’s average finish (13.1) ranked third among all drivers, behind only Christopher Bell (8.1) and Kyle Larson (11.9). Notably, he outperformed every Championship 4 driver, including his teammate Tyler Reddick.


A Rocky Start: The Richard Petty Motorsports Era

Wallace’s first three years in NASCAR’s Cup Series were a baptism of fire. Driving for Richard Petty Motorsports—a team whose on-track performance never matched the legacy of its iconic namesake—Wallace struggled to break into the top 20. He finished 28th in points in both 2018 and 2019 and improved to 22nd in 2020.

Despite the challenges, Wallace showed flashes of potential, paving the way for his move to 23XI Racing in 2021. His first season with the fledgling team saw him secure his maiden Cup Series win at Talladega, making history as the second African American driver to win at NASCAR’s top level.


The 23XI Racing Era: A Steady Climb

Wallace’s move to 23XI Racing marked the beginning of a new chapter. His second victory came at Kansas in 2022, and while 2023 didn’t yield another win, he finished a career-best 10th in points.

In 2024, Wallace took another step forward, showing consistency and resilience even without reaching Victory Lane. However, his progress has not been without its critics.


The Tribute Video: Misfire or Marketing Genius?

NASCAR’s attempt to honor Wallace with a tribute video celebrating his journey fell flat with some fans. While the video’s message of resilience and perseverance was clear, its execution left viewers scratching their heads. From awkward editing to a polarizing narrative, the tribute drew criticism for failing to hit the mark.

Fans were quick to question whether Wallace’s career warranted such a spotlight. Critics pointed to his overall Cup Series record—255 starts, two wins, 22 top-5s, and 46 top-10s—as underwhelming for a driver touted as a rising star.


The Fan Divide: Is the Hype Justified?

Wallace’s critics argue that his current stats don’t match the level of attention he receives. One fan labeled him “the most talked-about 25th-place driver in NASCAR,” while another quipped, “When’s the last time he won?”

But Wallace’s supporters point to his recent consistency and upward trajectory. They argue that his improvement, particularly in the highly competitive next-gen car era, is proof that he belongs among NASCAR’s top drivers.


What’s Next for Bubba Wallace?

As Wallace heads into the 2025 season, the expectations are higher than ever. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can finally turn his potential into sustained success.

What Wallace Needs to Do in 2025:

  1. Break the Winless Streak: With 80 races since his last victory, Wallace must prove he can finish races at the front, not just near it.
  2. Consistency in the Playoffs: Making a deeper playoff run will be critical for silencing his detractors.
  3. Seize Key Opportunities: Wallace has shown he can compete with the best, but he needs to capitalize on moments when a win is within reach.

The Verdict: A Star in the Making?

Bubba Wallace’s 2024 season proved he has the talent to compete in NASCAR’s top tier. While the wins have been elusive, his growth in consistency and ability to deliver under pressure are undeniable.

Is the hype justified? It depends on your perspective. To his fans, Wallace represents resilience and progress, a driver whose best days are still ahead. To his critics, he remains a work in progress, needing more wins to solidify his place among NASCAR’s elite.

Will 2025 be the year Bubba Wallace truly arrives? Or will he continue to be a driver defined by potential rather than performance? One thing is certain: all eyes will be on the No. 23 Toyota when the green flag drops next season.

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