Bubba Wallace Reveals Secrets About New Crew Chief and Mental Approach at 23XI Racing
In a shocking revelation, Bubba Wallace, driver for 23XI Racing, has disclosed details about his new dynamic with crew chief Charles Denike and the drastic shift in his mental approach that is propelling him through tough races. Wallace emphasized the crucial role of having the right people around him, enabling him to maintain focus amidst challenging circumstances.
Previously partnered with crew chief Bootie Barker for four seasons, Wallace’s collaboration with Charles Denike, a seasoned professional with a successful track record, has been a game-changer. Despite facing consecutive Did Not Finish (DNF) results at Texas and Kansas, Wallace remains resilient, crediting Denike for keeping him grounded and positive during turbulent times.
“I believe that wholeheartedly. We showed up on Saturday in Kansas with speed, with confidence. We started off the race really strong. It just wasn’t in the cards for us. As much as we manifested it and wanted it to be, it wasn’t supposed to work out. I’ve learned to accept it,” Wallace shared about his mindset shift under Denike’s guidance.
The duo kicked off the 2025 season triumphantly by winning the Duel race at Daytona and have since maintained momentum by consistently earning valuable stage points. Despite encountering four DNFs in the initial 12 rounds, Wallace has managed to secure a spot within the Top 12 in the playoff standings, showcasing a remarkable improvement from past seasons where he often teetered around the playoff bubble.
Not shying away from controversy, Wallace also delved into the lack of changes to the short track package at North Wilkesboro, shedding light on NASCAR’s decision not to implement alterations despite initial considerations. Teams’ reservations about the financial incentive for the proposed ‘run what you brung race’ ultimately led to the status quo.
While Wallace acknowledged the potential benefits of testing new packages, he emphasized the importance of data-driven decisions in enhancing racing performance. “You can’t just throw something at it with no data behind it. So I get that, it takes time, while we want it to happen in the next immediate short track race. I’m sure it’s a work in progress but we just haven’t seen anything yet,” Wallace stated.
With the upcoming All-Star Race looming, Wallace finds himself in a precarious position, starting 14th in the All-Star Open. To advance to the main event, the #23 Toyota driver must either secure a victory in the fan vote or finish within the top two in the Open race, adding another layer of intensity to an already riveting season for Bubba Wallace and 23XI Racing.
