Bubba Wallace has signed a contract extension with 23XI Racing, despite falling short of making the NASCAR Playoffs this year. Co-owner Denny Hamlin, who oversees the team along with basketball legend Michael Jordan, did not mince words as he outlined clear expectations for the driver’s future with the team.
Speaking to the media in Bristol, Hamlin revealed exactly what he expects of Wallace as they begin to look forward to the 2025 season.
It’s fair to say that Tyler Reddick’s recent win of the regular season championship has heightened the aspirations for 23XI Racing. Wallace’s previous achievements, such as his 10th-place finish overall in the previous season, have similarly set high benchmarks.
Hamlin discussed the importance of consistent playoff appearances and top-tier finishes for Wallace, reflecting the heightened expectations from himself and from within the team.
Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 Toyota Genuine Parts/Mobil 1 Toyota, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 20, 2024 in Bristol, Tennessee. Hamlin has commented on his expectations for Wallace’s 025 aspirations.
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
23XI Racing announced a contract extension for Bubba Wallace earlier this week. What team co-owner Denny Hamlin said about extending Wallace, who failed to make the playoffs this year. pic.twitter.com/QiduNZGJrG
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 21, 2024
“Yeah, I mean the 23 team needs to make the playoffs every year. I think that that’s our expectation and then make a deep run and finish in the top ten in points.
“That’s kind of our expectation of where we’re at right now. Just getting in, it’s hard for me to say that that’d be the only expectation but it is an expectation given the standards that we’re giving ourselves,” stated Hamlin via Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports.
Since its founding, Wallace has been a cornerstone for 23XI Racing, with Hamlin and Jordan expressing unwavering faith in his potential. The team’s belief in Wallace, paired with their significant investment, cements their confidence in his ability to rise to the occasion.
Reflecting on Wallace’s progress, Hamlin has admitted that despite Wallace’s final standings potentially appearing less favorable, his improvement is undeniable. Wallace has shown definite progress, moving from 14th based on driver points last year to 12th this year and leading more laps along the way.
“He knows he needs to get better, I think he has gotten better, so as long as he continues that. Last year when he made it in on driver points he was 14th, this year 12th. While it won’t look great in the final box score because once you get in who knows where you go, you know your floor is only 16th. Certainly this year the end results going to look worse than last year but we know given the stats he’s had, laps led, all that, everything has improved over what he had last year. Just got to take that next step,” Hamlin said.
The timing of this contract extension coincides with Hamlin’s own difficulties. Facing a crucial campaign at the Bristol Night Race, Hamlin sits six points below the playoff cutline. Recent races have been challenging for the driver, including a conservative strategy at Atlanta that backfired and crashes at Watkins Glen that compromised his results. Starting eighth for tonight’s race, Hamlin is expected to earn points in Stage 1, yet the pressure remains high.
Historically, Hamlin has performed well at Bristol, winning the last two Cup Series races and securing two ninth-place finishes before that. However, his recent inability to secure stage points could influence his race strategy tonight.
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