Breaking barriers in 2021, Bubba Wallace emerged as the first black driver since Wendell Scott in 1963 to clinch a NASCAR Cup Series race. Wendell missed the playoffs that year because he did not win a race until after the playoff field had been set. The 2022 season proved similarly bittersweet, as Wallace narrowly missed the playoffs.

Yet persistence pays off. After six attempts, the No. 23 from Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s team has at last carved out a spot in the playoff rounds. Bubba’s route to this stage was anything but smooth, marked by numerous highs and lows. It was Chris Buescher’s victory that ultimately pushed the #23 car into the playoffs. As the 23XI Racing team gears up for the next phase, crew chief Bootie Barker acknowledges the intense challenges that lie ahead.

Bubba Wallace’s crew chief replies to the “not playoff material” claim.

Earlier this week, Dough Rice expressed skepticism regarding Bubba Wallace’s championship prospects. Despite a strong start to the season, Wallace’s momentum waned, even though there was a brief resurgence with consecutive top-5 finishes at Kansas, Darlington, and Charlotte.

Following those races, Bubba’s performance seemed to dip, marking his lone top-10 finish in New Hampshire.

Interestingly, the next set of tracks in round 16 are those where Wallace has previously demonstrated top-5 finishes. As the playoffs approach, the #23 team’s strategy is under scrutiny. Speaking on the “MRN Crew Call” podcast, crew chief Bootie Barker said, “We made the playoffs, okay but we still have a long way to go. We had a long way to go we knew it. But the main thing is we got a shot.”

When Jimmie Johnson’s crew chief, Todd Gordon, probed about Wallace’s game plan, Bootie elaborated, “I had to say the approach is the same what we have been doing, the only thing I write say as you noticed we finished 12th,11th all on those ranges, got Stage points and towards the endless, uh we have faded but it’s little different we didn’t take big chances for say.”

Addressing the changes in their strategy he further added, “I would say the only thing need to do when I think we will is where everything the same except we’re gonna go probably a little more aggressive at the end of these races to the get finish. We need to finish a little better because you’re going against the better competition.”

Watch This Story | Fans Join Bubba Wallace in Mocking Denny Hamlin Causing Michael Jordan’s President To Step In and Rescue

Recent weeks have undeniably been stressful for Wallace. In fact, Bubba Wallace refused to make interviews at qualifying and pre-race with NBC, as Ryan Nate and Kyle Petty also offered their perspectives on the situation.

Veteran Kyle Petty’s harsh words to Bubba Wallace

Trending

NASCAR Rumor: Next-Gen Control Arm Manufacturer Potentially Quitting NASCAR Amid Roush Manufacturing’s Take Over

Sheldon Creed Breaks Silence on Choosing Gene Haas’ Plan Over Joe Gibbs’ NASCAR Legacy

Justin Marks Lets Slip Trackhouse Racing’s Massive Expansion Plans, Reveals Brainchild Behind Roping In SVG & Kimi Raikkonen

NASCAR Legend Richard Petty Echoes Denny Hamlin’s Horsepower Debate as Bristol Fails to Excite Fans

“Won’t Be Watching Anymore”- Displeased Fans Take Issue With NASCAR After Shocking Reversal on Kyle Busch’s All-Star Antagonist

Following the excitement of Bubba Wallace’s playoff qualification, Michael Jordan embraced him in a jubilant celebration on the pit roads. Nate Ryan highlighted this moment and also mentioned Kyle Petty Wallace’s recent decision to decline interviews before the Daytona race.

Veteran racer Kyle Petty responded by drawing a parallel with Ty Gibbs, who had previously made a similar decision. Petty expressed his strong opinion, as he stated, “For professional athletes to refuse interviews is unacceptable in any game, unacceptable.”

“Unacceptable to your fans, unacceptable to the sport, it’s just not Ty Gibbs the same thing…I don’t know what these guys think, That’s acceptable in any world because that’s where you’re here for it. That’s what they pay you the money for it(…) if mentally he’s that fragile, then maybe this is not the game for you.”

READ MORE: NASCAR Insider Ruthlessly Declares Bubba Wallace Is Not Playoff Material

Kyle Petty cited Brad Keselowski as an example of how to handle tough situations on the track, noting that Keselowski attributes it to his routine. Petty suggested that Bubba Wallace adopt this assertive attitude on the speedway, believing Wallace showcased it at Daytona. Do you think Bubba made the right call?