A lot of anticipations have been revolving around that last cherished spot on the playoff berth. Will it be Chase Elliott? Or will it be another top-tier stock car driver? That was the biggest question as the 500-mile-long, 163-lap race rolled its course out at Daytona, Florida. However, the unexpected happened and Denny Hamlin is overjoyed.

After being brought down by his pit crew multiple times, Bubba Wallace was just not able to unleash his abilities as a driver. He had received a lot of hate and a lot of doubt from fans on the internet and people inside the NASCAR community. But by sheer will, this 23XI driver proved that he is a force to be reckoned with.

Bubba Wallace proved his boss wrong, and the latter was the happiest about it

Earlier in a conversation with MRN, Denny Hamlin had said that although strategy is a crucial aspect of racing in NASCAR ovals, merely going for stage points would not be enough to secure that 16th place in the playoff. Just one mistake could result in a number of positions and ultimately, in missing the playoffs. Luck has not been with Bubba for quite some time now, and according to Denny, Bubba had to race smart so that he did not get unlucky.

Come Daytona, Bubba did not just get lucky, he beat seasoned drivers to finish 12th and gain 30 priceless points. And with that, he joined his teammate Tyler Reddick in playoff contention. Thanks to Chris Buescher, there were no new winners.

After the race, Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports went up to his boss and asked how he felt about his driver making his long-awaited breakthrough.

Denny Hamlin felt pretty confident with the starting position for Bubba Wallace. He explained that starting at the back of the pack could have proven to be problematic for the 29-year-old. The JGR driver said, “Luckily, they didn’t get unlucky. We’ve got two cars in the playoffs.”

Hamlin reflected on how his other driver, Tyler Reddick, was in the playoffs just a year driving with the team, whereas it took 3 years for Bubba to do the same. However, they achieved what they had aimed for in the current season.

Watch this story: A Video of Denny Hamlin Confronting a Bitter Chase Elliott Fan Resurfaces After the Coca-Cola 600 Drama

“That’s what we’ve set out as a goal, the only goal for 23XI this year was that, both cars in the playoffs,” he added.

When it’s 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin is like a father protecting his child

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The most recent question that comes whenever a discussion on Denny Hamlin begins is his future with Joe Gibbs Racing. There are two other tasks on his to-do list; stretching 23XI Racing’s alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing and confirming the manufacturing deal for his team. Michael Jordan’s partner is more worried about the future of his team than he is concerned about his future as a racer. And the way he talked about Bubba clearly reveals the same.

Denny Hamlin said, “Look at the driver that he (Bubba) has been. He beat legitimate teams and drivers that make the playoffs all the time.”

The proud boss continued, “He did it because he works hard and he’s worked on his craft, getting better, we have seen it with the race results week in week out.”

On that note, a fan exclaimed, “It’s amazing to see how Denny’s demeanor seems to shift when he talks about 23XI . When you’re talking about him, he’s little bit more laxed and more open. But when you’re talking about his team, he’s little bit more guarded and defensive. Like a father protecting his kids.?”

23XI Racing team posted “The work has just begun”. A fan commented on their tweet saying, “Ok limit the mistakes and sky?s the limit”

Another fan commented, “Bubba’s stops were awesome even with him waiting 2-3 secs for extra fuel! The danger was letting this team in with 2 cars. You can see this team taking on MJ and Denny’s will to do whatever it takes! Let’s go step on some throats!”

“Yes, I am so glad that both of them are in the Playoffs together! Now they need to go forward and try to get the best results possible!?, “ said one.

With Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick both in the playoffs, it is going to be extremely crucial for Bubba to bring out his A-game at Darlington next week. We are as excited as you are to see the number 23 Toyota achieving new heights, with Bubba Wallace behind its steering.

Read more: ?6 Years of Sucking? ? Bubba Wallace?s Inferiority to Tyler Reddick Exposed in Painful Admission