Bubba Wallace is still attempting to reserve a seat for the playoffs. The Alabamian driver has shown glimpses of his capability now and then. Fans are yet to see the two-time Cup Series race winner make the playoffs this season.
Wallace has had a better season in terms of point scoring if compared to last year. Nevertheless, he is currently placed just below the cutoff for the playoffs. He requires some good finishes in the upcoming races to maximize the number of points he scores. However, he is determined to win a race and book his place in the playoffs.
“We Have to Win”- Bubba Wallace Determined to Win a Race
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The 29-year-old is currently just three points behind Daniel Suárez and Michael McDowell. He has lost 33 crucial points to the bubble in the last two races. However, he is still determined to win a race instead of qualifying through stage points.
On Saturday at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Bubba Wallace admitted that the team had made some mistakes. He said, “We had a few mistakes that started off our weekend badly.” He added that “This week was a big reflection week for everybody on the [No. 23] team on how we need to execute. Mistakes like this at this point in the season, there’s no excuse for it. Whether it’s my fault on track or the crew’s fault in preparation. We need to be better as a team moving forward to even think about playoffs.”
After Atlanta, it was the first time since May that Wallace dropped below the playoff cut-off spots. Nevertheless, with 7 races to go, Wallace still has a pretty good chance of qualifying for the playoffs.
However, he believes that scoring stage points might not be enough. In a recent interview, he said, “We want to win, We know we have to win. We can’t point our way into a championship, so we need to win. We need to win early enough to lock ourselves in.”
Wallace is desperate for a win. He might be able to qualify on points too, but he is currently in contention for the remaining five places. The number has the possibility of dropping in case a driver in the leaderboards ends up getting the checkered flag.
Watch this Story: “Certainly Would Like to See a Little More” – Denny Hamlin Snubs Bubba Wallace’s Effort as He Struggles to Stay Motivated
What’s making Bubba’s team co-owner nervous?
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Several drivers competing against Bubba Wallace believe that he can win a race and qualify for playoffs. This list includes Denny Hamlin who is the co-owner of 23XI Racing (the team Wallace races for). Hamlin is familiar with Wallace’s potential and believes that he could make it into the playoffs. However. the veteran driver thinks that the team hasn’t been able to fully support Wallace and is in immediate need to get better.
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Apart from Hamlin, even Micahel McDowell who is just three points ahead of Wallace said, “When I look at the guys around us, I’m definitely nervous because we know Bubba has some great tracks coming up and the Toyotas have been fast.”
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In conclusion, the fate of securing one of the five remaining playoff spots lies solely in the hands of Wallace and his team. They need to focus and make fewer mistakes. Wallace has proven his resilience in the face of adversity, and it will be interesting to watch what the Alabamian driver will bring to the table in the remaining races. The stage is all set, and all eyes are on Wallace as he and his team try to get into the playoffs.