First Class Opportunity for Bubba Wallace

First Class Opportunity for Bubba Wallace
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 11: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 DoorDash Toyota, waits on the grid prior to the start of the NASCAR Cup Series Bluegreen Vacation Duel #2 at Daytona International Speedway on February 11, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/ Getty Images)

It’s no secret the journey Bubba Wallace has had to endure getting to NASCAR’s brightest stage. Now for the first time since he drove a Kyle Busch Motorsports truck, Wallace has a ride that can consistently compete for wins in. Wallace made the move to the new 23XI Racing team, owned by three-time Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin and 6-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer Michael Jordan for the 2021 season. This team is a direct affiliate of Joe Gibbs Racing, a similar setting to that of Furniture Row Racing with Martin Truex, Jr.

Needless to say, there are expectations for Wallace unlike any he’s had. Wallace left Richard Petty Motorsports to join the newly formed team. It’s the only ride prior to this season he’s had in the Cup Series. The difference is this ride is ready to win, today.

Bubba ran for KBM in the Truck Series as a Toyota Development driver. During his time with KBM, Wallace showed his talent and the ability he had to drive. He was a star on the rise. Unfortunately, the amount of his success would halt there.

As we have come to see with Toyota, they have a lot of talent coming through the ranks. They don’t have enough seats at the next level for that talent to keep rising. Wallace was one of the first to find that out. He could have stayed in the Truck Series and even competed for a Truck title or make a move to a high profile Xfinity Series ride.

Wallace went the route of higher level ride. As time moved on so did his ride and Wallace was not on a full-time basis before landing the substitute job for Aric Almirola in the No. 43 car. His fantastic performance there landed him the Cup ride with Richard Petty Motorsports the next year. It worked out for Wallace but the success wasn’t there.

Expectation High, Intrigue Even Higher

This season, Jordan and Hamlin tabbed Wallace to be the guy for many reasons. One is the obvious and it’s Wallace is a marketable figure in the sport. He gets along with his companies and many have jumped on board as Wallace has brought more and more to them. The next reason is the experience and ability to be great. When in great equipment, Wallace has been good. So far down in Daytona, Wallace has impressed with his new team.

The Daytona 500 won’t be a tell all sign for Wallace and the new team but it will be a great start. In first practice Wallace was top of the charts, he qualified well and ran the Duel race well. Now as the pressure mounts and more eyes turn to him, how does he handle it. This is the best chance for Wallace to succeed in his entire career.

Add in the fact that he represents one of the sport’s biggest names and one of sport’s, in general, biggest names. This could be a breakout year for the Alabama native. Many aren’t sure what to expect because of the new team and growing pains. However, Wallace has familiar faces in the garage helping him out. Mike Wheeler is the crew chief, who worked with Hamlin for years. Freddie Kraft will once again be the spotter for Wallace, the only spotter Bubba has ever had.

It’s in the cards for 23XI Racing to be one of the best on track in 2021. There is no reason to not think Bubba won’t have a legitimate shot at winning some races. That could start on Sunday with the 500. Realistic goals would be to see this team compete and be near the front. This is not a normal team.

Bubba will have a chance to finally prove his talent level in some of the best equipment to hit the track this season. Look for Wallace to learn a lot, as he’s already mentioned in the Duel race, but also look for him to do things he’s never been able to do. Expectation is high but so is intrigue. Sure the expectations will be high but that comes with the team. Intrigue is high to see how Wallace handles being up front, handles the pressure and handles the first possible success he’s ever had in the Cup Series.

Bubba Wallace has a shot to do something special. How special can he be?