Bubba Wallace saw a playoff position in his grasp as he raced at the Daytona International Speedway. The electrifying cap to the NASCAR Cup Series 2023 season had strong contenders for the last open spot temporarily held by 23XI Racing’s Wallace. In order to retain it, he had to either maintain his points lead against Ty Gibbs’s #54 Toyota and Daniel Suárez’s #99 Chevrolet, win himself, or hope that no one from below the cutoff clinches a win.
Fortunately for Wallace, the race went in his favor and both conditions materialized. Owing to his substantial fan following, he made sure to post a message for them after the race.
“What a day!”: Bubba Wallace shared his joy and relief after qualifying for playoffs
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher won the race. Buescher had two previous wins this season and already had a playoff place secured. On the other hand, Ty Gibbs got hit by Christopher Bell’s #20 Toyota, which eventually became a massive wreck involving 16 cars. It resulted in his 3rd DNF of the season. Furthermore, Trackhouse Racing’s Suárez, who had a 43-point difference to overcome against Wallace, finished 20th.
In the Coke Zero Sugar 200, Wallace’s #23 Toyota started the race 4th in the lineup. He was 6th after Stage 1 ended and 11th at the end of Stage 2. Wallace stayed in the middle till the end of the race and finished 12th, thereby holding on to his points.
“We’re locked in! Playoff bound for the 23 team. So proud of the uh efforts. What a stressful week it’s been. But uh excited to uh just man what a what a day! Didn’t have the car I knew that…but just needed luck to fall our way and it did. Honoured to be part of the 2023 playoffs. So off day tomorrow, back to work on Monday. Darlington’s coming up, we know we can do there, it’s first round so let’s get out there.
Watch this story: Bubba Wallace Insider Urges NASCAR to Respond to Ryan Blaney’s Plea for Help
It was evident Wallace knew the significance of being a part of the playoffs. He chose to include his fanbase in the celebration through this message which responded with more praises and support ringing in the comment section.
Fans cheer loudly for Bubba Wallace drowning the sound of his detractors
Trending
Tony Stewart’s Business Partner Sells Off Iconic ‘Mini Eldora’ Racetrack
Jeff Gordon Pays His Respect to Motorsports Legend Who Helped Him Break Into the Big Leagues
HMS Legend’s Demise Has Emotional Jeff Gordon Echoing Rick Hendrick’s Humble Admission
87-YO Richard ‘The King’ Petty on Cloud Nine, Blessed With 2 New Family Members
Kenny Wallace Left Baffled by an Anonymous NASCAR Executive’s Response to Michael Jordans’ In-Court Victory
Bubba Wallace is one of the most successful African-American racers of all time. Moreover, he is currently the only one competing full-time in NASCAR’s top three racing tournaments. This has led to a polarised fan base divided generationally. Yet, newer fans of the sport have stood by him and it was a moment of celebration for them to wish him for his success and prove the naysayers wrong.
“Highly deserved and some damn good tracks ahead. Get after it! 🤘🏻”
“Great race!!! Patient when you had to be and aggressive when you needed to. This is only the beginning 🤘Darlington up next”
“LET’S GETITTTTTT!!! Congrats. @bubbawallace !! So freaking excited!!”
View this post on Instagram
While others reminded him to continue performing like this to shut down any unjust criticism thrown at him, others were standing by him and had responses ready for anyone who didn’t think he could make the cut.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I remember meeting this dude when he won his 1st race to get into the All-Star Race! Congrats brother! Fade the noise..”
“Can I get uhhhh Quarter Pounder with cheese and a side of Boomer Tears? Extra salty.” 🧂
“Them hatahs quiet 😮😮👏💯”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It will be exciting to see his journey through the playoffs. Like Bubba said, “Playoff Bound”!
Read More: “That’s Just the Sad Part About It” – Bubba Wallace Exposes $180 Billion Streaming Giant’s Tactics