Bubba Wallace’s impressive road course performance

Overcoming Road Course Challenges and Eye-Opening Weekend

It’s widely known that Wallace has faced difficulties on road courses throughout his NASCAR career, and a strong showing, possibly a win, was imperative on Sunday to secure a spot in the playoffs’ semifinal round.

Few believed Wallace could win or even contend, but regardless of the final result, his performance with the No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota team during the weekend was truly remarkable.

He topped Saturday’s practice charts and secured the fourth spot in qualifying. In Sunday’s race, he finished second in the first stage and seventh in Stage 2.

Wallace was still in the running for a solid finish or even an unexpected victory when, with 22 laps remaining, he was struck by Daniel Suarez in the backstretch chicane, causing him to miss the turn.

Consequently, Wallace had to serve a stop-and-go penalty for the chicane violation and then fight his way from the back of the pack to finish in 16th place.

“This weekend was incredible, from the team’s effort to my own performance. Everything just clicked, you know? It felt great to be competitive, leading on road courses, and not getting overtaken,” Wallace remarked.

“There’s a lot to reflect on. I analyze what I could have done differently to avoid that situation. Could I have been quicker and overtaken another car? How can I improve when I’m racing amidst chaos?

“It is what it is. We simply didn’t have enough, and luck wasn’t on our side.”

Wallace believes that his overall performance at Charlotte, along with his solid 12th-place finish at Watkins Glen in August, demonstrates his commitment to enhancing his skills in areas where he has historically struggled.

“Previously, the No. 23 wasn’t a contender at road course races, right? I don’t think that’s the case anymore, and I can’t say I’m terrible at road courses,” he stated.

“Two consecutive strong runs at road courses. The finishes were decent, except for today. You just have to keep honing your craft. No matter how tough it gets, you must keep working and striving to learn and improve.”

Although he’s no longer in contention for the 2023 series championship, Wallace remains determined to secure a victory this year and sees promising opportunities in the upcoming weeks.

“I’m excited about our season. It’s not over yet. Next week, Homestead, and Martinsville, I’m really looking forward to them,” he declared. “Phoenix, well, I might just take a vacation. But we still have four races to go out there and make it happen.

“We weren’t expected to be here, according to many, but we proved them wrong and showed many in the garage that you can’t underestimate the No. 23 on a road course.

“That’s something to be proud of. We have to keep pushing forward.”