Home/NASCAR

via Getty

via Getty

With every passing day and week, the picture of 23XI Racing becomes clearer. This past week, the team revealed the five ‘founding partners’ who will support them and their driver Bubba Wallace in the new project.

As the team formation continues to fall in place, it gives Wallace further clarity about his future within the team and in the sport. For the African-American star driver, the focus can now finally shift to racing as he aims to stake a claim in the top draw of the NASCAR Cup Series.

Wallace’s 2020 season was dictated by off-track incidents, making him a household name. He now hopes to remain a household name but wants all the talk about him to revolve around his performances as a racer.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

via Getty

One thing that motivates me to get next year going is that I became a household name off the racetrack,” Wallace said during a recent interview. “And it’s like, man, I want to become a household name on the racetrack. For the success we have,” he added.

Bubba Wallace knows the pressure of expectations on him

Wallace will not just race for a new team, but one owned by two big names in the world of sports. NASCAR Cup Series superstar Denny Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan have already set high standards for their new team. And Wallace recognizes the pressure on himself going into 2021.

“There’s a lot of pressure on me to go out and perform and compete, so I’m excited about that,” Wallace expressed.

While things that happened off the race track in 2020 were difficult to handle, the way he dealt with them showed the mental resolve Wallace possesses. That will certainly hold him in good stead for the upcoming challenge.

via Getty

Wallace exudes confidence in his abilities

Trending

“I Didn’t Have Any Money”: Brad Keselowski Indebted to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Favor for Building His NASCAR Legacy

“No Way in Hell”: Tony Stewart Discloses a Major Roadblock After His Baby Boy’s Birth

NASCAR Rumor: Backed by Billionaire Family, Fans Speculate Former Formula 1 Driver to Soon Make NASCAR Debut

What Is Left of Denny Hamlin’s Depleting Core After Having to Deal With a Nearly $70 Billion Worth Sponsor Loss?

Richard Childress’ Grandson in Hot Water After Worst Season of His Career Puts Family Cup Ride in Jeopardy

“I think if you look at everything that was thrown at me this year, I can just up about manage my way through any rough traffic and handle the weight of that,” Wallace said further.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The sponsorship announcement is a big step for the new team. Hamlin himself recently expressed goals of making the playoffs this season, further showing how much the team trusts Bubba Wallace to deliver.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

For a driver who is yet to win a Cup Series race, there are high expectations. With better equipment and with Wallace’s confidence, it will be quite interesting to see the momentum he creates.

READ MORE – Bubba Wallace Outlines His New Year’s Resolution of ‘No More Excuses’ as 23XI Racing Debut Approaches