The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs are around the corner. And this time, there is a new face among the contenders—Bubba Wallace. Bubba, who has been a consistent presence in the racing scene, has secured his first playoff spot since running full-time in the Cup Series back in 2018. However, Bubba’s critics haven’t eased off. Amidst the buzz of his achievement, a NASCAR insider has delivered a ruthless verdict on Wallace’s chance in the playoffs.

With a sigh of relief, Bubba Wallace clinched the final playoff position at Daytona, setting the stage for his first shot at the championship. However, his ability to deliver in such pressure situations was recently questioned by Doug Rice.

Doug Rice does not see Bubba Wallace making it to the Round of 12

Bubba Wallace’s inclusion in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs marks a significant milestone in his racing career. However, the excitement is met with a dose of skepticism from Doug Rice. Rice, the host of Fast Talk by PRN, pulled no punches in his assessment. According to Rice, Wallace’s entry into the playoffs is a reflection of his team’s standing – the 16th seed.

Rice spoke about Bubba Wallace’s playoff potential in a recent episode, “I’m not seeing it, I said it earlier in the show, I’m not going to back away from it. I don’t think Bubba Wallace makes it.

“I think Bubba… there’s a reason that that team is the 16th seed. They’re the 16th-best team out there. I don’t see them jumping up into the top 12. Maybe they surprise me, Kansas is a good racetrack for him, [where] he could possibly do something.”

However, Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and a familiar face in NASCAR, sees the situation through a different lens. Hamlin’s perspective reflects both his belief in Bubba Wallace’s growth and the tenacity of his racing team.

Denny Hamlin believes Wallace is now “battle-tested” to perform well in the playoffs

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Wallace’s journey to the playoffs has been marked by consistent performances rather than a flurry of wins. However, Denny Hamlin believes that this very trait is what will enable Wallace to navigate the playoffs successfully. Having earned his playoff spot through consistent finishes, Wallace enters the postseason as a driver who can perform under pressure.

Denny Hamlin points out that the experience gained through overcoming challenges has made Wallace “battle-tested.” Hamlin’s optimism stems from his belief that Wallace’s newfound ability to contend for stage points and consistently finish among the top contenders has set him up for a potential breakthrough.

During a recent episode of his podcast, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver pointed out, “Really happy for him [Bubba Wallace]. I know that he’s been super stressed over the last few weeks. And you know, I think this was a test. He’s battled tested now. I think Bubba, he earned his spot in the playoffs.

He did it through performing better than he ever has, he’s getting stage points. And contending more top 10s more top fives. So he certainly has deserved his place in the playoffs and I’m excited to see where that 23 team goes in the playoffs.”

Hamlin’s words paint a picture of a driver ready to face the challenges that the playoffs bring. As Wallace’s team prepares for the upcoming races, they are aware of the mountain they need to climb to advance further. With Hamlin’s support and encouragement, the spotlight shines on Bubba Wallace as he aims to prove that he’s indeed playoff material.

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As the NASCAR playoffs draw near, Bubba Wallace’s journey into the postseason carries with it a blend of uncertainty and optimism. With insiders voicing their opinions and co-owners expressing their confidence, all eyes are on Wallace as he prepares to challenge his own limits and make a mark on the racing world as his team gears up for a playoff run like no other.

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