On a sun-drenched Saturday practice session at Homestead Miami Speedway, the #23 car of Bubba Wallace gleamed not just with its polish but with sheer speed. The vehicle surged ahead, clocking a breathtaking average lap speed of 169.088 mph, hinting at a race day filled with promise. Yet, when the rubber hit the road during the main event, that electrifying speed seemed momentarily elusive.

Stage 1 saw Bubba Wallace, somewhat unexpectedly, near the rear, holding the 17th spot. By the final lap of stage 2, a further slide placed him at 19th. However, as the final stage unfurled, a phoenix-like resurgence saw Wallace catapulting through the ranks, zipping past competitors, and clinching an impressive P6 finish. When the dust settled and the media sought a glimpse into his plans for the racing calendar, his answer was both startling and enigmatic.

Bubba Wallace is currently racing beyond the checkered flag

Though the 30-year-old isn’t in the race for the Cup Championship or the owner’s title, he’s fervently chasing another race?a race for his preferred strategy. After a commendable P6 finish at Homestead Miami Speedway, the inquisitive voices sought to uncover his blueprint for the remainder of the season. Wallace’s answer reflected his consistent year-long pursuit: points.

Capitalizing on the slip-ups of rivals and strategically amassing points, Bubba Wallace’s #23 car not only punched its ticket to the playoffs for the inaugural time in his career but also ascended to the top 12?remarkably, without a single victory. With palpable enthusiasm, the 23XI driver shared, ?There?s still points to be gained. We can still finish fifth in the points. So, there?s a couple of spots in front of us that are easy to get, but then obviously, after next week, we?ll have to fight really hard.?

While it’s evident Bubba Wallace has his sights set on climbing the ranks via points, possibly to remain in the good graces of his somewhat skeptical boss, Denny Hamlin, one can’t help but wonder: perhaps chasing a victory would be the golden feather in his cap and would impress his boss better. But would his plans be fruitful at Martinsville and Phoenix considering his previous stats?

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Can #23 successfully implement his strategy at Martinsville and Phoenix?

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As the Cup Series season winds down with just two races remaining, all eyes are on Bubba Wallace. He’s made it clear that he’s on a quest for points, but what does history predict for him at Martinsville and Phoenix?

At Martinsville, the numbers paint a vivid picture. Across 11 starts, the driver of the no. 23 Toyota has maintained an average finish of 18.5. His best performance? A commendable P8, during which he led for 23 laps?but that was back in April 2021. Meanwhile, the sun-baked tracks of Phoenix have witnessed Bubba Wallace have an average finish of 21.1. Out of 11 starts since his debut in 2018, his shining moment was clinching P10 during his rookie year, complemented by leading 4 laps in 2021. What stands out, however, is that neither track has seen Wallace clinch a stage win.

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Yet, 2023 might be the year of change for the 23XI driver. With his sights set on leading each lap and accumulating points, it’s a strategy aimed at laying a strong foundation for the forthcoming season. As the anticipation builds, one can’t help but wonder about the insights and expectations of his mentor and boss, Denny Hamlin. What cards does he envision Bubba Wallace playing in the upcoming races?