23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace recently spoke out about his reaction to the Kurt Busch NASCAR Hall of Fame induction, praising his former teammate ahead of the Coca-Cola 600 race in an interview with Frontstretch Media. Wallace highlighted his respect for Busch’s impressive career and the honor of seeing him named among the sport’s elite as part of the 2026 Hall of Fame class.
Kurt Busch’s NASCAR Career and Hall of Fame Recognition
Earlier this week, NASCAR revealed the class of 2026 for its Hall of Fame, and it includes the storied career of Kurt Busch. Busch, whose time in the NASCAR Cup Series spanned 23 years, racked up 34 victories, 161 top-five finishes, and 339 top-tens across 776 races. He also clinched the 2004 Cup Series championship and earned 28 poles while competing for various teams throughout his long career. Busch drove for 23XI Racing during the 2022 season, sharing the garage with Bubba Wallace, who later reflected on their time as teammates.
Remembering their collaboration, Wallace emphasized that the Hall of Fame acknowledgment was more than warranted.
“Yeah, it was cool to hear that first he was dominated and then to get accepted. It was really wonderful. Slightly, there was awesome. So we’ve shared a couple of texts. He’s super excited, proud of him, honored to call him a friend but also a teammate. Yeah, I think it’s well-deserving for sure.”
—Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Driver
During that 2022 season, Kurt Busch piloted the #45 Chevy for 23XI Racing, finishing 30th in the standings with one victory, five top-five, and eight top-ten results. Meanwhile, Wallace rounded out the season in 19th, claiming one win, five top-fives, and ten top-tens, reflecting the competitive spirit within the team.
Bubba Wallace Discusses the Pressures of Teammate Success on a Veteran’s Podcast
Earlier this year, Bubba Wallace joined NASCAR veteran Kevin Harvick on his podcast ‘Happy Hour’, sharing candid feelings about the challenges of competing alongside talented teammates, including Tyler Reddick. Wallace openly discussed the motivation and pressure he feels from Reddick’s strong results during the 2025 season and how it drives his self-improvement on and off the track.
“Seeing the success of the 45, not from a jealousy standpoint, but it’s like ‘I have the same stuff,’ and I feel like I’m just as competitive as Tyler. I put all that weight on me, that pressure on me. So, I’m back in the gym, and nobody’s telling me, ‘Hey, you need to work out to run better; you need to be in more meetings to understand better.’ I took that upon myself as, like, ‘I’m doing just enough to get by, and that’s not okay,”
explained Wallace. —Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Driver
Currently, Bubba Wallace ranks tenth in the NASCAR Cup Series championship standings with 310 points from twelve races. He has achieved four top-ten and two top-five finishes so far this season. His teammate Tyler Reddick sits higher on the leaderboard, holding sixth place with 357 points, four top-tens, three top-fives, and a pole at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA).
Looking Ahead for Bubba Wallace and 23XI Racing
Kurt Busch’s Hall of Fame induction stands as an inspiration for drivers like Wallace, who see first-hand what dedication and trial bring to the sport. As Wallace continues to battle for a higher spot in the championship and gain more victories for 23XI Racing, he keeps drawing motivation from both his former and current teammates. With high-profile events such as the Coca-Cola 600 on the horizon, the spirit within the team remains energetic and determined, marking another chapter in the ongoing legacy of NASCAR competition.
