Bubba Wallace entered NASCAR’s top-tier competition with a wave of expectations, and while flashes of brilliance have marked his career, many still wonder if the full potential of the 23XI Racing driver has yet to be realized. Co-owned by NASCAR superstar Denny Hamlin and basketball icon Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing was founded with the vision of pushing Wallace toward stardom and championship contention. However, despite the strong backing and a few key moments of success, Wallace’s overall impact on the track has been underwhelming to some observers.
Bubba’s Performance So Far
Wallace’s NASCAR Cup Series career, which began full-time in 2018, has been a mixed bag. Known for his emotional win at Talladega Superspeedway in 2021—the first for an African-American driver since Wendell Scott’s victory in 1963—Wallace has shown he can compete at the highest level. Yet, inconsistency has plagued his performances, and he has struggled to maintain momentum throughout long stretches of the season.
This inconsistency has been particularly noticeable in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, where Wallace’s flashes of competitive speed were often overshadowed by unforced errors, mechanical failures, or poor finishes in crucial races. Although he has made playoff appearances, his ability to consistently challenge the top-tier drivers for wins has been called into question by fans and pundits alike.
Denny Hamlin’s Continued Belief
Despite Wallace’s struggles, Denny Hamlin has remained steadfast in his belief that Wallace can deliver on the potential that saw him chosen as the face of 23XI Racing. Hamlin, a veteran driver and future Hall of Famer, understands the pressures of the sport better than most. His patience with Wallace’s development is emblematic of a long-term investment rather than an immediate push for titles.
“We believe in Bubba’s ability. It’s not just about what’s happening now, it’s about building a future,” Hamlin has said on numerous occasions. For Hamlin, Wallace’s strong qualifying performances and occasional breakthroughs—like his Kansas Speedway win in 2022—show that the foundation for success is there, even if the results haven’t been consistent.
Michael Jordan’s Role in the Equation
Michael Jordan’s involvement has added even more spotlight to Wallace’s journey. Known for his relentless pursuit of success in basketball, Jordan has brought that same mentality to NASCAR. His partnership with Hamlin and Wallace was seen as a game-changer for the sport, aiming to push diversity and competitiveness to new heights. Jordan has publicly expressed support for Wallace, understanding that building a winning team takes time.
However, the question looms: how long will Jordan and Hamlin’s patience last? In a sport where victories matter more than potential, the pressure on Wallace to deliver continues to mount.
What’s Next for Bubba Wallace?
Looking ahead, Wallace still has ample opportunity to prove the doubters wrong. With a team like 23XI Racing providing him top-tier equipment and the guidance of experienced racers like Hamlin, Wallace has all the tools to succeed. The challenge will be turning those tools into results on the track.
Wallace has shown steady improvement, particularly in high-pressure races and superspeedways. His growing confidence in the car, coupled with a maturing mental approach, suggests that the ceiling for his talent is still high. With 2025 around the corner, the expectations will only rise as he continues to chase his full potential.
Bubba Wallace’s journey in NASCAR is far from over, but the stakes are higher than ever. For Denny Hamlin, Michael Jordan, and 23XI Racing, the belief in Wallace’s potential remains unwavering, even in the face of inconsistent results. As Wallace looks to the future, the question remains: can he harness his talents and become the championship contender that so many hoped he would be?
Time will tell, but for now, Hamlin and Co. are still betting on Bubba.
