Watch your favorite events in the newly enhanced ESPN App. Learn more about what plan is right for you. Sign Up Now
“Bubba’s turnaround over the last few years, I can’t believe it, truthfully,” Hamlin said. “The maturity that he has shown. He’s been the lead car at 23XI, really the entire year. I think [Tyler Reddick] might have him on average finish because he doesn’t have as many DNFs, but the 23 has been the fastest freaking car we’ve got. And that’s something I can’t believe.
“Whether it’s Charles Denike and his setups or Bubba’s mentality, something changed over there that has made Bubba someone you’re going to have to contend with every single week. … I couldn’t be [prouder] of that 23 team and what they’re doing week in and week out.”
With three races left in the season, Wallace sits 10th in the standings and could potentially be looking at a career-best season in the Cup Series — at least statistically. Perhaps it already has been because of Wallace’s noticeable personal progression, as well as the team’s growth, with performances that don’t always translate to the results sheet (such as laps led, stage points earned, average running position during the race and speed).
Reddick making the Championship 4 a year ago showed Wallace the potential was there, and it was his motivation coming into 2025. In fact, Wallace has backed up a social media post he made in January, sharing that “the mentals are at an all-time high” and that he “couldn’t be happier” after taking it upon himself to be better and do better after two seasons of getting “my ass kicked.”
Naturally, having on-track success further helps his off-track attitude.
“It’s been really, really cool to show up with speed every week and have an opportunity,” Wallace said. “That’s what you want: to have an opportunity to be successful. It allows you to move freely, have less stress and take full responsibility. It’s like, OK, here’s the keys to it, let me go figure it out. I like figuring that stuff out when it comes to the racing side of things, and when you have the right people in the right spot, the right equipment, and all of it has to jell perfectly, but we seem to have that good chemistry going right now.”
How times change. How far Wallace has come. Something that is striking to him, too.
“I’ve enjoyed where I’ve been in life,” Wallace said. “I look forward to waking up and competing more than I have, and it’s been fun to be at the racetrack. No other way around it. That is all from enjoying every aspect of life.”
