A wave of disappointment swept through the NASCAR community as Bubba Wallace was unexpectedly left out of FOX Sports’ latest Cup Series power rankings, released by veteran reporter Bob Pockrass after the recent race at Talladega Superspeedway. Despite a run of consistent performances and a strong showing in the current standings, the talented 23XI Racing driver was absent from the top 10, sparking immediate reactions across social media and fan forums.
The updated rankings, released following Austin Cindric’s victory at Talladega, reflect recent race results and overall momentum. Kyle Larson ascended to the No. 1 spot after a stellar second-place finish, nudging out Denny Hamlin for the lead according to Pockrass. Yet, fans quickly noticed that Wallace, currently seventh in Cup Series points and boasting four top-10 finishes this season, was not featured among the sport’s top drivers in the listing.
NASCAR enthusiasts wasted no time voicing their frustration. “Where’s Bubba,” one fan questioned after seeing the rankings. Another pointed out, “Missing a particular driver who’s 7th in points and has the 4th most stage points.” These comments highlighted a larger sentiment among viewers who felt Wallace’s consistent results merited a place in FOX’s prestigious top 10.
Pockrass, explaining the methodology, emphasized recent race outcomes as a key factor: “It’s based on momentum from the last race vs their season anyway, so that’s why Bubba isn’t on the list.” While some fans acknowledged the logic, others, like one passionate supporter on Instagram, remarked, “I can’t believe they didn’t put Bubba.”
With upcoming races on the calendar, Wallace has his sights set on further proving himself. Sitting seventh in points and accumulating significant stage results, Wallace’s omission feels especially notable as rivals with less impressive season-long consistency made the list. The next stop at Texas Motor Speedway presents a clear opportunity for Wallace to add a win to his resume, potentially forcing a reconsideration by the ranking panels.
The lively discussion serves as a reminder of how power rankings can shape perceptions and stir debate. The spotlight now shifts to Wallace’s next moves, as the high-stakes season continues and fans watch closely to see if the FOX Sports rankings will soon reflect his steady progress.
