Bubba Wallace Capstone on Season: A Year of Growth and Wins
Bubba Wallace concluded the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season on a bittersweet note, finishing 11th in the championship standings, just shy of his career-best 10th position. This year’s finale at Phoenix Raceway saw him drop a spot to Ross Chastain, who secured the final top-10 position, mirroring their dramatic past encounters.
Despite the setback, Wallace deemed the season a “successful” one, having achieved significant milestones. He notched 14 top-10 finishes and six top-fives—tying his career-highs—and led a personal record of 378 laps in his No. 23 Toyota Camry. Notably, Wallace clinched a major triumph at the Brickyard 400, marking his third career win and his first since 2022. This victory not only enhanced his resume but also ensured his postseason berth without incident.
“It’s cool to have the Brickyard 400 behind your name, for sure,” Wallace commented on the significance of the win, although he approached it with a humble mindset, likening it to a late model race.
In the overall standings, Wallace finished two positions behind his teammate Tyler Reddick, despite both drivers recording the same number of top-10 finishes. Reddick added one more top-five to his tally. Team co-owner Denny Hamlin praised Wallace’s contributions, noting he was often the fastest in the 23XI Racing stable.
However, Wallace’s season was marred by inconsistency, as he recorded nine DNFs, the second-most in the series, indicating several races slipped away from him. “It’s been a lot of fun to show up at the racetrack with a new mindset,” Wallace reflected, emphasizing his competitive spirit and enjoyment of the sport.
As he prepares for his ninth season in the Cup Series and sixth with 23XI Racing in 2026, Wallace remains focused on building on this year’s successes while seeking to overcome past challenges.
