Bubba Wallace’s partnership with Charles Denike at 23XI Racing has brought fresh hope and energy to the team, marking a significant turning point in what has been a challenging NASCAR season. Beginning their journey together in 2025, Wallace and Denike immediately demonstrated their potential by capturing a win in the Duel race at Daytona, a result that set the tone for the rest of the year as they continued to collect valuable stage points and secure a strong footing in the playoff race.
For Wallace, who drives the #23 Toyota for the Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin co-owned 23XI Racing, this season represents a change not just on the technical side, but also in his personal approach to the sport. Having worked with Bootie Barker for his first four years at the team, the pairing with Denike, who brings prior success from his role in the Truck Series, has provided a new perspective. Wallace emphasized the importance of surrounding himself with the right people, stating that this support allows him to concentrate on what truly matters, even when faced with setbacks.
Coming off consecutive DNFs at Texas and Kansas, Wallace has refused to let frustration dictate his mindset. He shared that in previous years, such a string of disappointing results might have thrown off his focus entirely, but Denike’s leadership has helped him keep his eyes on future opportunities.
Wallace said, highlighting the renewed mental resilience that has become a hallmark of his 2025 campaign with 23XI Racing.
The results speak for themselves. Despite four DNFs in the first 12 rounds, Wallace has consistently remained inside the Top 12 in the playoff standings and currently sits 10th, 66 points above the cutline. This strong position stands in contrast to previous seasons, where he hovered around the playoff bubble, fighting just to stay in contention. The momentum and chemistry built with Denike have clearly made an impact, fueling the team’s chase for postseason success.
Addressing recent NASCAR decisions, Wallace explained the reasoning behind not implementing changes to the short-track package at North Wilkesboro. He revealed that despite the possibility of experimenting during the non-points-paying race, teams felt the $1 million prize did not justify the financial risk.
Wallace remarked, adding context from behind the scenes at 23XI Racing.
As the NASCAR All-Star Race approaches, Wallace is not yet locked into the main event, needing a fan vote win or a top-two finish in the All-Star Open on May 18. With their recent run of form and a rejuvenated approach, both Wallace and Denike believe their partnership at 23XI Racing puts them in prime position to make a statement, reflecting a turnaround that could define their season and inspire the team’s continued push for success.
