23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin has voiced strong confidence in Bubba Wallace as the team prepares for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. Wallace, driving the No. 23 Toyota Camry, enters the new season with renewed focus, aiming to end his winless streak and elevate his performance.
23XI Racing Confronts Challenges Heading into 2025
The 2025 season presents significant pressure on 23XI Racing due to high expectations on the track and an ongoing charter lawsuit. The team faces the dual challenge of securing victories while supporting Wallace’s growth as he adapts to the demands of the Cup Series. Meanwhile, Wallace has not won a race in two years, contrasting sharply with his teammate’s multiple wins and a regular-season championship. Hamlin believes that Wallace’s recent experience of fatherhood has sharpened his resolve and dedication.
He’s been locked in all offseason. Call it fatherhood, call it whatever you want to call it, but he’s been locked in all offseason.
—Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing Co-owner
Leadership Changes on the No. 23 Team Bring New Hope
The No. 23 team underwent a significant shift as Wallace’s former crew chief was reassigned, making way for Charles Denike to take on the role for the 2025 campaign. Hamlin expressed admiration for Denike’s leadership style and ability to establish respect within the team.
I think he understands that Charles is someone that’s going to command respect. 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.
—Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing Co-owner
Charles Denike Seen as a Catalyst for Wallace’s Success
Denny Hamlin praised Denike highly, believing his crew chief could be instrumental in unlocking Wallace’s potential during the 2025 season. Denike’s prior experience in the Truck Series and his recruitment by Dave Rogers boosted the team’s confidence in his capabilities.
I was singing his praises all weekend, but we believe we found a rockstar in Charles. Glad we found him. Dave Rogers did a great job recruiting him from the Truck Series. He was with the 19 truck. I think he’s going to be a game-changer for 23XI and Bubba Wallace. I think those two could really do something special this year.
—Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing Co-owner
The 2025 Season: A Pivotal Moment for Bubba Wallace’s Career
With the combination of a promising new crew chief and Wallace’s own renewed focus, the 2025 season could define the trajectory of his NASCAR career. After a promising P5 finish at The Clash in Bowman Gray, the pressure mounts to convert momentum into a race win, ideally starting with the prestigious Daytona 500. Wallace’s performance this year may determine the future opportunities available to him within the Cup Series.
The upcoming season carries both uncertainty and hope, as fans and the team await to see if Bubba Wallace can make his mark and break his two-year winless drought.
