Bubba Wallace, fresh off a high-profile appearance at the Super Bowl, is concentrating on his ninth full season in the NASCAR Cup Series. As 2026 approaches, the 32-year-old driver is targeting significant progress while competing with 23XI Racing, a team determined to disrupt NASCAR’s established hierarchy.
Wallace’s focus on this season is fueled by his strong performance in 2025, which included winning the Brickyard 400 and reaching career highs in top-five and top-10 finishes, along with leading 378 laps. Despite these milestones, both Wallace and 23XI Racing recognize there is still room for improvement as they aim to elevate their competitive standing.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Momentum with a New Crew Chief
The previous season presented obstacles, such as an antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR itself, which cast uncertainty over the team’s future. Additionally, Wallace had to adapt to a new crew chief, Charles Denike, whose promotion from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to the Cup Series marked a steep learning curve.
With the legal matters resolved and the Wallace-Denike partnership now entering its second year, the relationship between driver and crew chief has strengthened considerably. Wallace commented on their working dynamic, saying,
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Charles is super easy going, I think I am too,
Bubba Wallace, Driver.”
He further noted the growing confidence Denike brings to the team:
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We have a really good relationship that started right off the bat. He’s been very confident with the work he’s been doing. Halfway through the year, he’s leading some of our meetings. He’s the type of person who takes his job very seriously. He pays attention to detail, and I’m excited to have another trip around the sun with him.
”
Setting Ambitious Goals at the Daytona 500 and Beyond
Wallace is especially optimistic about competing in the upcoming Daytona 500, NASCAR’s most notable race, where he aims to make history as the first African-American winner. Reflecting on his expectations, he said,
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I feel really good about it. Getting a lot of signs that it’s going to be a good weekend,
Bubba Wallace, Driver.”
He added,
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We’ve grown and matured as a team. To come into this year more confident and more focused — we’ve just got to dot our I’s and cross our T’s. We just have to put it all together.
”
Expansion and Ambition: 23XI Racing’s Growing Presence in NASCAR
Since its foundation in 2021, 23XI Racing has expanded from a single-car team centered around Wallace to a multi-car outfit. The organization, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, will run three full-time cars in 2026. Wallace, Riley Herbst, and Tyler Reddick will each pilot a full-time vehicle, while development driver Corey Heim will compete in 12 races driving the No. 67 entry.
This rapid growth demonstrates the team’s commitment to establishing itself among NASCAR’s elite. Wallace expressed this collective ambition, stating,
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We want to disrupt the big three. We want to put our name in that category, and they are really passionate about that,
Bubba Wallace, Driver,”
referencing the sport’s traditional powerhouses: Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and Team Penske.
He also revealed the leadership’s focus on high standards, saying,
“
We had a great leadership meeting a couple of weeks ago that emphasized a lot of key notes, and it was a big reflection of all of us in that room. So just high expectations.
”
The Challenge Ahead for 23XI Racing and NASCAR’s Established Leaders
The dominant “big three” teams in NASCAR have maintained their top positions for years, benefiting from extensive resources and veteran personnel. Wallace acknowledges the difficulty of overtaking these frontrunners but remains confident that 23XI Racing’s unique approach and rapidly growing infrastructure could shift the balance.
As the 2026 season begins, fans and analysts will watch closely to see if Wallace and 23XI Racing can convert their aspirations into victories, potentially rewriting the competitive landscape of NASCAR.
