During the pre-season tests, there was a notable absence in the 23XI Racing garage. Kurt Busch took most of the burden of testing the Next Gen cars. This is because Bubba Wallace was a little preoccupied with a hospital visit. As it turned out, he underwent surgery on his shoulder, so he was out of action for a while. The good news is that the African-American driver will be back on the track soon.

Recently, he posted an image of himself on Twitter. In that image, he looked fully kitted up in the 23XI Racing gear and was ready for action. Admittedly, Wallace could be at a slight disadvantage, as Kurt Busch has had more time to get familiar with the car. Luckily for the Talladega winner, there is still a test at the Phoenix Raceway at the end of the month.

So, Bubba Wallace will still have time to take part in some testing for the outfit before the season starts. In all honesty, he should be thanking his stars, else he would have headed to the LA Coliseum on the back foot.

Will Bubba Wallace be at a disadvantage compared to Kurt Busch?

Obviously, the surgery and recovery period has taken a toll on his preparation time. Meanwhile, the #45 car of Kurt Busch has had a few days of track time in the new car. As a result, poor old Wallace will have to familiarise himself with his #23 car in a hurry.

Time is pretty much running out for him because two weeks after the Phoenix test is the Busch Clash at the LA Coliseum. In other words, the African-American driver will be thrown in the deep end. Meanwhile, most other drivers have gotten used to the Next Gen cars and it will soon be time for them to put the cars through their paces.

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