Denny Hamlin & Business Partner Michael Jordan Set Clear Expectations from Bubba Wallace This Year: “We Expect Him to…”

23XI Racing had a pretty good season last year, despite Kurt Busch sitting out for the latter half of the season. Bubba Wallace has been instrumental in running the #45 car through the playoffs. Now ahead of the 2023 season, the team’s co-owner Denny Hamlin was asked about his expectations with Wallace in a podcast.

Hamlin made his stance quite clear as to what he expected out of his star driver. During the podcast, Hamlin also spoke about what he thought about Wallace and his performance last season—especially during the playoffs.

What did Denny Hamlin say about Bubba Wallace?

Talking about Wallace, Denny Hamlin stated, “I mean certainly, we expect him to make the playoffs. You know, Bubba did such a great job for, I mean, finished top 10 and points for us racing in the playoffs. Although, not many people know that the 45 car with Bubba driving it finished 10th in points last year, in that playoff run. So he did a great job…”

Furthermore, he added, “Then Bubba, just what he’s done over the last half of the year, was just… He’s exceeded my expectations of his talent level. Like he started to perform where I thought he was. And then he started exceeding it. And I’m like wow he’s really, really doing well.”

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Hamlin also mentioned that he expected Bubba Wallace to make it at least to the top 10 in points for the upcoming season. Judging by Wallace’s performance last year, one can say Hamlin isn’t asking for too much.

How was Bubba Wallace during the playoffs last year?

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Wallace did not make it to the playoffs by himself last year. As Kurt Busch did not return for the playoffs due to his head injury, Wallace was tasked with the #45 car. Instead of running for the playoffs, Wallace was racing for the owner’s playoffs.

Driving the #45 car, he even scored his second win. Unlike his first win, this time he actually led the race and finished under regular circumstances, without the aid of interventions in the form of race stoppages. He had really started showing his true potential by this point in time—regularly battling at the front of the pack. But just when everything was going great, he suddenly got himself involved in a brazen fight against Hendrick Motorsport driver Kyle Larson. That was when all things started crumbling again.

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Aside from his anger issues, Wallace has continued to show promise on the track. Hopefully, Wallace can carry on the form and only go on to get more wins this season.