“It Paid Off”- Struggling Bubba Wallace Emerges as Michael Jordan’s Only Hope as Favored Superstar Fades Away at Texas

This season might have been transformative for Bubba Wallace, but Michael Jordan’s fortunate player has been struggling of late. The No. 23 left it late in the regular season to confirm his playoff spot and had to claw his way into the round of 12. However, on Saturday, Wallace made a massive statement at Texas, which could be the turning point of his season.

Bubba Wallace has had a number of decent performances in the Cup Series this season, but he has never had that one showing that sets him apart from the rest so far. Texas has provided a unique opportunity to Michael Jordan’s driver, and he will be looking to take full advantage.

Bubba Wallace looks to make his mark in Texas

Going into the first round of 12 races at Texas, Bubba Wallace was not looked at as a favorite to win the race. Given his recent performances, people believed that a top-10 finish would be a good result. However, during qualifying on Saturday, he shocked the grid.

Despite struggling with his car of late, Bubba Wallace recorded the fastest lap time and slapped his car into pole position for the first race in the round of 12. It was a huge moment for the 23XI Racing man, who is fighting in the playoffs for the first time.

“Pole sitter’s here in Texas. Big day. Started out practice really really strong, and felt good about it. Underdrove it so I needed to overdrive it in qualifying and it paid off. Appreciate all the support, all the hard work from the team,” he said after the session.

It was a much-needed break for Bubba Wallace who was being beaten by his teammate week after week. Tyler Reddick has been in fantastic form ever since the playoffs began. He finished second in Darlington and won at Kansas, making him the team’s biggest hope for an unlikely Cup Series title.

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However, Bubba Wallace has made his mark and he will be looking to match his teammate’s performance on Sunday when he starts the first race of the round of 12 right from the front of the pack.

While No. 23 got his car in pole position, Reddick did not have as good a day. The latter’s car was fast enough only to get him up to 15th place, but the Kansas race winner believes that he has what it takes to make it through to the round of 8.

23XI star reveals secret to qualification

As per the Associated Press, Tyler Reddick said that the key to securing qualification into the next rounds of the playoffs was having smooth days and consistent finishes.

“It’s about having smooth days and somewhat consistent finishes,” he said. “I think if we can stay in the top 15 each of these races in this next round when even regardless of a win, I think we’ll be in good shape to make it through the round of eight. And then obviously it’s a little trickier.”

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Reddick has fond memories of Texas, as he won the race last year with Richard Childress Racing. His victory at Kansas just a couple of weeks ago will boost his confidence, and there is a good chance of Reddick defending his Texas crown if all goes to plan.