“Can’t Discredit Kyle Larson”: Michael Jordan’s Driver Snubs Himself for Rick Hendrick’s Champion, Despite Not Seeing Eye-to-Eye

2023 has been a transformative season for Bubba Wallace. From making it into the playoffs for the first time in his career to winning his second-ever pole position at Texas on Saturday, the 23XI Racing driver has a fellow driver, Denny Hamlin, as his boss. But Bubba Wallace recently revealed who he sees as one of his inspirations, and it’s none other than Hamlin’s title rival, Kyle Larson.

Despite not being at the top level yet, Bubba Wallace’s season can be seen as a huge success. Not only did he make it into the playoffs, but the No. 23 has also managed to qualify for the round of 12 and take an unlikely pole position. After qualifying, Wallace was a confident man who only seemed to be on the up, as he was seen praising Kyle Larson after their 2022 on-track wreck off turn four at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Bubba Wallace praises Hendrick Motorsports rival

Speaking at the pre-race press conference, the 29-year-old had some kind words for Hendrick Motorsports’ title favorite and Denny Hamlin’s championship rival, Kyle Larson. Bubba and Larson have a lot of history, which even involved physical altercations in 2022.

When asked what it meant to be one of the first diversity drivers to have tasted as much success as him, the 23XI Racing man said, “We can’t discredit (Kyle) Larson and what he’s been able to do and win a championship there on the diversity side of things. I guess I’m following him – I’m second fiddle.” However, he acknowledged his and his team’s achievement to get to the place they were after being only inches away from being knocked out before the playoffs.

“I knew that we were a playoff contender starting the year. We liked to make that stressful on ourselves and wait till Daytona to lock ourselves in, but about halfway through the season, you start figuring out where your lineup,” the Texas pole-sitter added. Kyle Larson himself had a pretty average qualifying session in Texas on Saturday, as he could only manage to be the 11th fastest driver on the day. However, if there is anyone who knows a thing or two about winning, it is Larson.

The HMS superstar won the first playoff race in Darlington and has been in sensational form of late. There is no doubt that he will fight to get into the lead of the race. 

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However, Bubba Wallace has put himself in a fantastic position to fight for the win, but he will have to fend off the two flying RFK Racing drivers, Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski. Although things will not be easy for Wallace, he will have a lot of confidence, which he made quite evident after doing the fastest lap on Saturday.

23XI Racing driver slammed haters after Texas success

After his incredible qualifying effort, Bubba Wallace had a message for his doubters, and the outspoken 23XI driver was not holding anything back, much like his boss, Denny Hamlin.

“We keep outkicking the goalposts and they keep moving it,” Wallace said. “That’s fine. We’ll make it work. You can’t help DARFs.” For those who don’t know, DARF is short for Dumba** Race Fan. It’s safe to say that Bubba Wallace is highly confident heading into the first NASCAR Cup Series race in the round of 12.

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Will he be able to convert his pole position into a win? Only time will tell.