Bubba Wallace is arguably one of the top drivers in NASCAR today. Now, the term ‘top drivers’ here doesn’t necessarily mean he’s one of the best in terms of his capabilities, but rather, in terms of the brand value behind him.
After all, he is driving for a team owned by Michael Jordan. But as is the case with everything in life, there is another side to the positives for driving in such a team.
So, it’s no wonder that his actions against Kyle Larson in Vegas brought a lot of criticism not just his way, but his team’s way too.
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23XI’s official statement on the NASCAR Las Vegas Penalty. pic.twitter.com/Pdopqtae1e
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) October 18, 2022
This was something his other boss, Denny Hamlin, opened up on recently.
“He understands where I stand, where the team stands, the values that we want to present n the racetrack, and he just didn’t represent it that well last week,” the 23XI Racing co-owner described. “He knows he’s still got some stuff to work on and when he gets out of the racecar.”
Hamlin also revealed the reaction his partner, Michael Jordan, had with regard to his driver’s actions. “Um…let me see, disappointed, just like me. There’s really no difference in his opinion or mine on this,” he disclosed.
With that said, the #11 driver emphasized once again that they’d like to, as they always do, keep everything “behind closed doors,” which is to say, deal with it internally regardless of NASCAR’s decisions.
WATCH THIS STORY: Freddie Kraft Has an Arrogant but Apt Four-Word Response to Bubba Wallace’s Win at Kansas Which He Predicted Himself Mid Race
Why was Bubba Wallace signed by Michael Jordan?
In an interview from a couple of years ago, Michael Jordan described why he specifically picked Bubba Wallace as the headlining driver for his NASCAR venture, the 23XI Racing team.
“I think [Bubba] has the potential to be [a champion]. If I didn’t think so, I wouldn’t get into this,” Jordan had said.
The NBA legend emphasized on how “luck” is undeniably a big factor in any form of sports, but if one is equipped with the right knowledge and equipment, then the chances to succeed rise.
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“Then it’s all up to the driver,” he added.
Now, so far, 23XI Racing has given Bubba Wallace the best of the equipment and knowledge on a top class level. The fact that he hasn’t been able to translate it into more wins is a different story.
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As for how long will MJ listen to the same story, that is something only time will tell.