The NASCAR world was shaken when 23XI Racing announced a major overhaul of Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 team for the 2025 season, including the unexpected replacement of veteran crew chief Bootie Barker. After a disappointing 2024 campaign, team owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin made the call to restructure, aiming to reinvigorate the team’s performance. However, Barker, who had been at Wallace’s side since 2021, revealed his disappointment and sense of blindsiding over the decision.
A Bond Broken by Performance Pressure
Barker and Wallace had shared notable highs during their partnership, securing two race wins and forging a strong bond. Yet, the pair struggled during the 2024 season, failing to qualify for the playoffs. In contrast, Wallace’s teammate, Tyler Reddick, thrived, winning the Regular Season Championship and reaching the Final Four. This performance gap left 23XI Racing with little choice but to make changes.
Barker acknowledged the harsh reality of NASCAR’s crew chief carousel:
“I won’t lie, it was a surprise. I talked to Bubba before… but as a crew chief, let’s just speak in generalities – rarely does the crew chief get to set his own timetable or decide how he’s going to go out. It just doesn’t work that way. It’s just how it is.”
A New Role, But Lingering Discontent
Despite his removal as crew chief, the 53-year-old will remain with 23XI Racing in a technical role at the team’s Airspeed headquarters. While Barker pledged to stay loyal to the organization, it’s clear the abrupt nature of his demotion has left a bitter taste. His departure creates a leadership void for the No. 23 team that new crew chief Brian Denike will need to fill quickly.
Denike Steps Into the Spotlight
Denike, who led 23XI’s No. 19 Truck Series team, will now step up to the Cup Series to work alongside Wallace. With the jump comes significantly higher stakes, both in terms of competition and prize money. Denike expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity:
“Bubba is a proven winner, and I believe we will bring out the best in each other. Thank you to Michael, Denny, and Dave for the opportunity to join the 23XI family. Winning is a process… I am looking forward to contributing to 23XI’s growth and journey to winning championships.”
Wallace’s Position Secure Despite Recent Struggles
Despite a difficult 2024, Wallace remains a central figure at 23XI Racing, having signed a contract extension earlier this year. The team’s faith in him suggests they see his potential as a cornerstone of their future success. Wallace’s warm relationship with Barker has helped ease the transition, but Denike will need to bring fresh energy to the No. 23 team to overcome the challenges of the past season.
High Expectations for 2025
As 23XI Racing enters the 2025 NASCAR season, all eyes will be on the No. 23 team. Can Denike and Wallace establish the chemistry needed to compete at the front of the pack? And will Barker’s absence loom large as the team navigates a critical period of growth? One thing is certain: the pressure is on for everyone involved.
