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Bubba Wallace, always an interesting figure in NASCAR, was unable to achieve his goal of making it to the NASCAR playoffs this year. However, the experienced driver, who always attracts attention, has earned the trust of 23XI Racing despite not meeting his expectations. The team leaders recognized the need to give Wallace another chance based on his past performances.
Wallace has extended his contract with the team, and 23XI Racing confirmed this decision through social media. The team expressed excitement about the contract extension, hoping that he will be a key driver for them in the coming years. Despite any difficulties, the team has demonstrated confidence in Hamlin and his teammates.
"From day one Bubba has been an integral part of 23XI. We're excited to announce that he has signed a multi-year renewal and will continue to play a key role in helping 23XI grow and succeed. #ForwardTogether."-the team said in a social media post.
Denny Hamlin, one of the team owners and also a NASCAR driver, reacted to the extension of Wallace's contract. In an interview with Fox Sports, he emphasized that the team must aim to secure a playoff spot every year, as it is a team with vision and serious ambitions. Hamlin noted that these are the expectations they currently have. While it’s unclear what the future holds, he acknowledged that they have those goals in mind at this moment.
“Yeah I mean the 23 team needs to make the playoffs every year,” Hamlin said, as quoted by On3.
“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."
Denny Hamlin explained that Bubba Wallace understands the need to improve, and he believes Wallace has made progress. He stressed that last year, Wallace qualified for the playoffs in 14th place based on driver points, and this year he improved to 12th. Although the final results may not reflect this improvement since finishing positions can vary once the playoffs begin, the minimum placement for playoff drivers is 16th.
Wallace has had clear goals since the beginning of his career, and he often seems critical of himself, even when it may not be necessary. The 30-year-old driver was frustrated with his performance last year, feeling that he could have achieved more. This mindset makes him unique, but at times, it can also create additional pressure in his career. However, Hamlin recognizes Wallace as a talented and skilled driver, and he had no hesitation in giving him the opportunity to prove himself in the coming years.
Hamlin pointed out that the end results this year might look worse than last year, but he emphasized that Wallace's general statistics, including laps led, have shown improvement compared to the previous year. He concluded that Wallace simply needs to take that next step to continue advancing.
Bubba Wallace on the charter agreement
About 15 days ago, he expressed frustration over the situation with charters in NASCAR. Wallace struggles to enjoy the sport and racing when his own future, as well as the future of the series, feels uncertain. The 30-year-old didn't want to elaborate further, but he stated that these issues create obstacles for him and many other drivers trying to achieve great things.
“My process has been kind of going hand-in-hand with the charter agreement,” Wallace said. “It’s frustrating to see where we’re at because that impacts my life and livelihood and everything moving forward for my future.”
Bubba Wallace and his performance
The decision to extend his contract is reinforced by Wallace's recent performance, finishing in P3 at the last race in Bristol. While some expected that Wallace might relax or experience a drop in form after the extension, the outcome proved to be quite the opposite. The leaders of 23XI Racing are thrilled with his consistent performance, believing that Wallace can continue to do great things in the future. Additionally, he can celebrate the victory of the Tennessee Volunteers over Oklahoma. After the win, Wallace expressed his excitement and mentioned that these are positive signs for the future.
Fans ask questions about the future of this team, considering that the 23XI Racing team has a great perspective and a good chance to make a success in the coming period. Looking at the drivers they have at their disposal, it's easy to be optimistic. This NASCAR season has shown the weaknesses and shortcomings of this team, and we will see what the future will show.
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