
via Imago
R: Bubba Wallace L: Tyler Reddick. Image Credits: Imago.

via Imago
R: Bubba Wallace L: Tyler Reddick. Image Credits: Imago.
Despite Kurt Busch‘s heartbreaking premature retirement and a below-expectations overall result from Bubba Wallace in 2022, things seem to have started well for 23XI Racing in 2023. Of course, the arrival of a talent like Tyler Reddick is a big factor in that.
But apart from their strength on the field, the team seems to be ‘vibing’ off the field as well. This much was clear from the recent Instagram stories of Bubba Wallace.
Ahead of the Daytona 500, the #23 driver posted a string of stories on his social media handle, two of which had his sponsor McDonald’s and his new teammate Tyler Reddick.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In fact, in one of the stories, Wallace seems to be pulling Reddick’s leg as the latter finds it difficult to work his around the kitchen at McDonald’s to which the #23 driver said, “He’s getting all the help.”

via Getty
DARLINGTON, SC – SEPTEMBER 04: Bubba Wallace (#45 23XI Racing ROOT Insurance Toyota) looks on before the running of NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 on September 04, 2022, at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, SC.(Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Bubba Wallace is ready for the Daytona 500
Few drivers in NASCAR face as much pressure and as much criticism as Bubba Wallace. Heading into this third season with 23XI, which by all means, is now one of the best teams in the grid, many are wondering if 2023 would be the year he loses his #23.
But for Wallace, the external pressure is not deafening. For him, it’s like noise which he is ignoring because the pressure he has within himself is much bigger than that.
“I put enough pressure on myself,” Wallace said as per Motorsport. He added that this is “the most excited” he’s ever been at the start of a season in his career. “I’m excited. You cross your fingers and toes to hopefully be able to make it out in one piece this race,” he added.
“It’s let’s get through Daytona and make a statement. I feel like our team is well-ready and well-capable of doing that.”

via Getty
BRISTOL, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 17: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #45 MoneyLion Toyota, looks on in the garage area after mechanical issue during the NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 17, 2022 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
WATCH STORY: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Shares His Dad’s Signature Screwdriver Recipe
Trending
Wallace is important for NASCAR as per Kyle Petty
Last season, when Bubba Wallace wrecked Kyle Larson at Vegas, one of his most brutal critics was Kyle Petty. But despite that, Petty is of the opinion that NASCAR needs personalities and drivers like Wallace.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Bubba is important to the sport,” Kyle Petty said as per Clarion-Ledger.

via Getty
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – AUGUST 14: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 leidos Toyota, walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway on August 14, 2022 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Petty compared Wallace’s presence to Danica Patrick in NASCAR, how she opened up a lot of doors for female drivers. However, there’s a big difference between the two.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“With Bubba, it is totally different. He has the talent to win if he is in the right equipment. He just means so much to the African American community,” Petty added.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT