After an improved 2022 season for Bubba Wallace, many believed this could be the year he would battle for wins. Expectations have been little met so far, however, as Wallace once again confronts his inner rival.
To improve his performance, 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan even hired 2021 eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Champion Keegan Leahy as a performance advisor. That move has yet to bear fruit for Wallace, although in a recent interview the Cup Series driver shared his thoughts on the factors contributing to his current level of performance.
Speaking to reporters at the Bristol Media Center, Wallace explained: “I always say I try not to let the pressure get to me and most of the time I don’t because I’m already pushing myself enough.”
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“And it can all be relative pressure to what others say. But I want to go out and win. I don’t want to crash on lap 9 so I think we just have to keep doing what we’re doing. Winning makes everything better” he continued.
Bubba Wallace’s crew chief is optimistic about the future
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As the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season begins, Bubba Wallace faced high expectations after a strong performance in the second half of 2022. However, the 29-year-old conceded that his No. 23 team failed to live up to those expectations in the opening eight races.
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August 5, 2018: Monster Energy NASCAR Motorsport USA Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace 43 during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen on Sunday, August 5, 2018 at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York. /CSM NASCAR 2018: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen AUG 05 – ZUMAc04_20180805_zaf_c04_327 Copyright: xRichxBarnesx
His crew chief, Bootie Barker, insisted improvements were needed, especially as the 23XI Racing driver approached circuits where he had previously had significant success. Although Wallace criticized his own mistakes, the team also let him down on numerous occasions.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Dale Earnhardt Jr. slams Bubba Wallace for “overreacting” when he pulls a “Chase Elliott.”
Barker discussed the team’s struggles on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, remaining upbeat despite the challenges and highlighting their consistently fast car. He emphasized the need to convert speed into improved results and acknowledged the No. 23 car’s call for collective improvement. With unwavering determination, the future of Wallace’s performance remains uncertain as they strive to rise to the challenge and realize their potential in the races to come. Hopefully we would be able to get some results sooner or later.