“Answer Is Still the Same”—HMS Legend Steve Letarte Calls Out Bubba Wallace’s and Chase Elliott’s Standings in 6 Words Amid Disappointing Season

Thirteen races have already taken place in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season, and it’s been an eventful ride for the drivers. As the season reaches its halfway point, the pressure to secure victories and accumulate points is mounting. Hendrick Motorsports’ former crew chief and current NASCAR analyst, Steve Letarte, recently shared his thoughts on the season so far, specifically highlighting the disappointing performances of Bubba Wallace and Chase Elliott. In just six words, Letarte succinctly expressed his concerns about their standing in the competition.

Hendrick Motorsports ex-crew chief talks about current standings

Steve Letarte, a former crew chief for HMS and now an analyst, emphasized the significance of winning races in the Cup Series. In a recent interview, he stated, “13 weeks, the answer is still the same as it was in February, win win win again, go to victory lane.” Letarte emphasized that relying solely on points is a risky strategy, as the cut-off line for the playoffs can change rapidly with each race.

He acknowledged that the points standings can be volatile, with the potential for sudden shifts. With nine different winners already, Letarte doesn’t believe the field will reach 16 winners, but the question of who will emerge victorious remains. He said, “If you’re counting on points, then you’re chasing a finish line that can move at the blink of an eye right? We have 9 winners already, do I think we’ll get to 16? No but who’s going to win, that’s a real question. Chase Elliott due to injury is well below the cut line, he has to think it’s a must win for the 9 car.”

Additionally, when asked about Bubba Wallace, he said, “Well, I think briscoe and bubba both need to go to victory lane, they have to be thinking that’s what it’s gonna take”

“I mean the story lines are set up to you know you better think you have to win a race, someone’s going to get in on the points but I can’t tell you who that’s going to be and I think there are more drivers in trouble than think they are in trouble. I think the wins could move that line very quickly.” Letarte’s analysis suggests that there are more drivers in trouble than they realise, and the race for wins can quickly change the playoff landscape.

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Looking at the current standings after the 13th race of the season, several drivers have established themselves as contenders. William Byron, driving the #24 Chevrolet for HMS, became the first three-time winner this season at the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. With his victory, Byron gained 56 points, moving up to fifth place in the standings.

Meanwhile, Ross Chastain remains on top of the points table with 429 points and five top-five finishes. However, Letarte’s emphasis on the importance of winning indicates that even drivers leading in points need to maintain their momentum by securing victories.

With the halfway point of the season approaching, Bubba Wallace, Chase Elliott, and other drivers on the bubble have to push themselves to secure victories and solidify their positions in the Playoffs. The next races, including road courses and a return to Atlanta, will be crucial for these drivers to prove their mettle and ensure a place in the championship hunt. Only time will tell who will rise to the occasion and achieve the coveted victories that can redefine their seasons.

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