“We’re the Sixth Toyota Team” – Bubba Wallace’s Spotter Provides an Update on Pit Crew After Nashville Fallout

At the Nashville Superspeedway, Bubba Wallace was a very angry figure. This was because he became the latest victim of the loose wheel curse that has plagued the paddock this season. It got to a point where he petulantly gave his team the silent treatment and ignored them for a while.

In light of this, his spotter, Freddie Kraft, spoke about what 23XI Racing is doing in the aftermath of the incident.

He said, “I’m sure they’re working behind the scenes to get the best available guys in the best positions for us. It is what it is, but we’re probably on our seventh or eighth tyre falling off or loose wheel of the season.”

“Obviously JGR [will get a better pit crew], if I had to guess, we’re the sixth Toyota team.”

READ MORE: “This Is a JGR Supply Issue” – Kurt Busch Points the Finger at Joe Gibbs Racing for Bubba Wallace’s NASCAR Pit Struggles

“We probably have the sixth pit crew. There’s nothing bad, it’s just inexperienced guys. It’s not talent, it’s experience. The guys I would assume on our team are less experienced than some of the guys on the four JGR cars and it shows. Loose wheels are not new, but the penalty for a loose wheel is much more substantial than it has been in the past.”

Can Bubba Wallace and 23XI Racing turn things around?

Theoretically speaking, the 23XI Racing car is capable of winning races, as is Bubba Wallace himself. Kurt Busch proved it earlier this year, and Wallace did it last year at the Talladega Superspeedway. With nine races remaining, the #23 driver has plenty of time to rack up a win and reach the Playoffs.

Undoubtedly, he will be eager to try and join teammate Kurt Busch. It would also be a real testament to the progress that 23XI Racing is making. Out of the newer teams, they are sort of losing the battle to Trackhouse Racing, who established themselves as dark horses.

WATCH THIS STORY: From Bashing NASCAR Fans to Throwing Powerade on Bowman: Bubba Wallace’s Most Heated Moments

While it would be a stretch to consider 23XI Racing a title threat, nothing is stopping them from improving their championship position.