via Imago
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Toyota Owners 400 Apr 2, 2023 Richmond, Virginia, USA Bubba Wallace waves to fans before the race during the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway. Richmond Richmond Raceway Virginia USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJohnxDavidxMercerx 20230402_tdc_sx1_0011
via Imago
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Toyota Owners 400 Apr 2, 2023 Richmond, Virginia, USA Bubba Wallace waves to fans before the race during the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway. Richmond Richmond Raceway Virginia USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJohnxDavidxMercerx 20230402_tdc_sx1_0011
Following an improved 2022 season for Bubba Wallace, many believed that this might be the year he’d contend for victories. However, expectations have hardly been met till now, as Wallace finds himself once again grappling with his inner rival.
To help enhance his performance, the 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan even roped in the 2021 eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing champion Keegan Leahy as a performance consultant. This move is yet to bear fruits for Wallace, though the Cup Series driver did share his thoughts on the factors contributing to his current performance level in a recent interview.
Talking to reporters at the Bristol Media Center, Wallace stated, “I always say that I try not to let the pressure get to me, and most of the time it doesn’t because I already put enough pressure on myself.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“And it may all be relative pressure to what others are saying. But I want to go out and win. I don’t wanna crash on Lap 9, so I think we just have to keep doing what we’re doing. Winning makes everything better,” he continued.
Bubba Wallace’s Crew chief sounds optimistic about the future
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Entering the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season, Bubba Wallace faced high expectations after a strong showing in the latter half of 2022. However, the 29-year-old acknowledged that his No. 23 team fell short of those expectations during the first eight races.
via Imago
August 5, 2018: Monster Energy NASCAR Motorsport USA Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace 43 during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen on Sunday, August 5, 2018, at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York. /CSM NASCAR 2018: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen AUG 05 – ZUMAc04_ 20180805_zaf_c04_327 Copyright: xRichxBarnesx
His Crew chief, Bootie Barker, insisted that improvements were necessary, especially since the 23XI Racing driver was approaching tracks where he had previously enjoyed significant success. Although Wallace was critical of his own errors, the team also let him down on multiple occasions.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Dale Earnhardt Jr Slams Bubba Wallace for “Overreacting” as He Pulls a “Chase Elliott”
Barker discussed the team’s struggles on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, remaining optimistic despite challenges and highlighting their consistently fast car. He emphasized the need to convert speed into improved results and acknowledged the No. 23 car’s requirement for collective improvement. With unwavering determination, the future of Wallace’s performance remains uncertain as they strive to rise to the challenge and capitalize on their potential in upcoming races. Hopefully, we would be able to get some results sooner or later.
