The early weeks of the 2026 NASCAR season have seen Tyler Reddick make headlines by winning the first three races consecutively, a historic feat in the Cup Series. However, Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, urges attention not only on Reddick but also on his teammate Bubba Wallace, who has demonstrated significant improvement in his performance.
Currently holding second place in the points standings after an 11th-place finish at the Circuit of the Americas race, Wallace’s upward trajectory has been noted by Hamlin. Speaking on the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin reflected on Wallace’s journey since joining the team in 2020, emphasizing the driver’s growth on road courses and his ability to now compete consistently in the top 10.
Wallace’s Road Course Performance Shows Steady Improvement
When Wallace began with 23XI Racing, his finishes often landed around the mid-20s, especially on road tracks. Hamlin praised his development, stating,
“I think he’s really taken some big steps. What that allows him to do is now again he’s P2 in points, getting going to a bunch of ovals. So, they love where they’re at, as they should.”
Although recent statistics reveal that top-10 finishes on road courses remain rare for Wallace, his results hint at progress. His last top-10 result on a road course came at Watkins Glen last year with an eighth-place finish, while before that he placed ninth at the Charlotte ROVAL in 2024. In total, Wallace has recorded two additional top-10 road course finishes earlier in his career, including performances at the Charlotte ROVAL and the Indianapolis Road Course in 2022.
Balancing Confidence and Competition Amid a Challenging Season
Despite these incremental gains on technically demanding courses, Wallace’s accomplishments have been somewhat eclipsed by Reddick’s unprecedented start. Wallace’s confidence entering road course events mirrors his approach to other track types, even though consistency in top positions remains a work in progress.
One notable contest was at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta, where Wallace nearly secured a win, but a miscalculated move during an overtime restart dropped him multiple positions, eventually finishing eighth. His Toyota has showcased strong speed throughout the season, attracting attention and fueling hopes for a breakthrough victory.
Next Challenges and Future Prospects for Wallace and 23XI Racing
Wallace and his team will look to capitalize on their momentum when they compete at Phoenix Raceway this Sunday, aiming to convert their evident speed into a win. As the season unfolds, both Hamlin and Wallace seem determined to keep building on this progress, balancing the pressure of Reddick’s dominance with their own ambitions and resilience in the fiercely competitive NASCAR landscape.
