Bubba Wallace acknowledges the need for enhanced speed and handling as his team strives to secure a spot in the NASCAR playoffs.
In the heart of the NASCAR Cup Series season, Bubba Wallace finds himself on the cusp of the playoff bubble, recognizing the urgent need for improvement in both speed and handling. The 23XI Racing driver currently sits 15th in the drivers' standings, with the playoffs set to commence on September 8.
Wallace's assessment of his team's current standing is clear and concise. "We are just a little bit off on speed and handling," he said. "We've got to find a little bit more."
Bubba Wallace Admits Room for Improvement Amid Playoff Hopes
The Chicago Street Course race served as a microcosm of Wallace's struggles. After being spun out by Alex Bowman on Lap 25, Wallace's hopes of a strong finish were dashed, relegating him to a 13th-place result.
Bowman, visibly remorseful after the incident, acknowledged his error and subsequently apologized to Wallace. "We've raced each other super fair and super clean," Bowman said. "I just messed up and ruined his day and I hate that."
Bubba Wallace Admits Room for Improvement Amid Playoff Hopes
Regarding Wallace's retaliatory bump, Bowman believes it should not warrant a penalty. "The restart was chaotic," he explained. "I just made every wrong decision I possibly could...I locked all four tires up and slid right into him."
Wallace has yet to publicly address the incident, opting instead to post a farewell photo on his Instagram Stories.
Bubba Wallace Admits Room for Improvement Amid Playoff Hopes
The intensity of the competition is palpable as teams jockey for playoff positioning. Wallace's team understands the importance of every race, knowing that a single slip-up could jeopardize their postseason aspirations.
Wallace's performance at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he finished 17th, further underscored the need for improvement. A strong run at Michigan International Speedway, where he placed 12th, provided a glimmer of hope but also highlighted the areas that need attention.
As the regular season winds down, Wallace and his team are determined to make the necessary adjustments to secure a playoff berth. The next race on the calendar is the Credit Karma Money 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
With a keen eye on their performance and an unwavering belief in their ability to improve, Wallace and his team are confident they can close the gap and secure their place among the championship contenders.
