When Bubba Wallace was a mere nine-year-old, he took the term “bumpy start” quite literally. He zoomed around in last place, tiny fingers gripping the wheel, and ended up with his go-kart soaring over a dirt barrier. ?I thought I was going to die,? he recalled later. While most kids would hang up their helmets after such a misadventure, For Bubba? Well, he gave his dented kart a makeover right at home.

Flash forward, and that fiery spirit still courses through Wallace’s veins every time he hits the track. But even with that blazing tenacity, he faced a setback post-Charlotte race, nudging him out of playoff contention. It wasn’t for lack of trying; at Charlotte, fortune didn’t favor him enough to claim a top-8 spot during the race. During the post-race interview session, Bubba Wallace had a retort laced with sarcasm. Being Michael Jordan‘s prot?g?, he cheekily served up some comments that are bound to ruffle a few feathers!

The 23XI driver takes a sassy swipe at NASCAR insiders!

Despite his strategic dance into the playoffs, a chorus of insiders crooned that he didn’t deserve his spotlight, suggesting he merely piggybacked on others’ misfortunes to leapfrog through the playoff stages. Bubba Wallace, however, wasn’t about to let fate or naysayers set his pace. The No. 23 hit the gas with intent and showcased some impressive vroom-vroom during the playoff races.

But Lady Luck, it seems, wasn’t entirely on his side. The Charlotte race exit, where he was nudged out alongside big names like Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, and Ross Chastain, rubbed a touch of salt into those pre-existing analyst-inflicted wounds. When prodded post-race about him defying expectations, Wallace served a delicious, sassy retort.

He said, ?We weren?t supposed to be in the playoff; we weren?t supposed to be in the round of 16, now 12; knocked out in the round of 12. But that wasn?t supposed to be a factor in road course race. I think we can start writing our name on a piece of paper and crumble it up; I don?t know if we could put it in a hat.” He quipped, “But yeah! At least we are that far, so we?re good.?

But certainly, it?s not a curtain call for Bubba yet. The race to be a Cup contender may be over, but Wallace?s engines are still revving loud and clear!

Watch This Story: Bubba Wallace unveils Kyle Busch?s tough love approach?

Bubba Wallace is raring for Homestead, mulling over some other plans for Phoenix

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After the adrenaline-packed race at Charlotte, Bubba Wallace was quizzed about what might have slipped through the cracks leading to his 16th-place finish. With a twinkle in his eye, he responded, ?Texas.? Bubba and his quips!

Shifting gears from playful to profound, Wallace lavished praise on his crew, likening racing against the ultra-fast drivers to “dueling with squirrels.” But it seems we might need to hold our condolence cards; he’s nowhere near calling it quits. ?It?s not over with yet. I am really excited for next week, Homestead, Martinsville,? he exclaimed. As for Phoenix? Well, let?s just say he?s mulling over beaches versus mountains. ?Ehh!! I might just go on a vacation then,? he teased, as per autosport.com.

Read more: Devastated Bubba Wallace Painfully Seals Playoff Coffin With Infamous 3-Words on His Big Day

After all, it hasn’t been his best stomping ground, with a personal best of 10th back in 2018 and a recent P14 in March 2023. Though he?s out of playoff contention, Bubba isn?t just coasting around. Eyes on the team prize, he might be expected to gear up to back his teammate, Tyler Reddick, helping him scorch the tracks in the playoffs. Go Team Wallace-Reddick!