ARTICLE AD BOX
The NASCAR season kicked off last weekend at Bowman Gray, where Bubba Wallace had a solid finish, finishing fifth after starting 14th. The finish was a cause for celebration, considering his starting position.
Fans have huge expectations from Bubba Wallace, believing that this experienced driver can make a big step this season. Denny Hamlin, the owner of the team, reflected on the offseason, saying that Denny Hamlin was locked in all offseason
“He’s been locked in all offseason,” Denny Hamlin said on his Actions Detrimental Podcast, as quoted by On3.
“Call it fatherhood, call it whatever you want to call it, but he’s been locked in all offseason.”
Big changes for Wallace
One of the more significant changes this year concerns Wallace’s team. Bootie Barker, who had been his crew chief since September 2021, is no longer in the position. Charles Denike will take his place.
Hamlin admits that Charles and Wallace could have a positive relationship, but Bubba must understand the way Denike operates, believing that this will be the guarantee of the success of this team, and the guarantee of a great relationship. Denike is a person from whom they have huge expectations.
“I think he understands that Charles is someone that’s going to command respect and he’s going to have his process and he wanted to make sure that relationship got off on the right foot, and he’s been doing his part,” Hamlin conntinued.
Hamlin also noted that 23XI was particularly excited about Denike’s arrival. “When he came in for the interview, he said, ‘Do you remember me?’ And I said, ‘You look familiar.’ He said, ‘Yeah, our teams have clashed a few times in the late models,’” Hamlin recalled.
“We’re thrilled to have found him,” he added. “I think Denike is going to be a big thing for Wallace and 23XI. They can do something special this year.”
English (US)