Bubba Wallace‘s future if 23XI closes is uncertain, as both he and Tyler Reddick may need to find new NASCAR teams next season if 23XI Racing folds after its ongoing lawsuit. The prospect of 23XI Racing shutting down raises questions for key drivers as the trial approaches, putting their racing careers in potential flux.
Lawsuit Threatens 23XI Racing and Its Drivers’ Stability
Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic analyzed the situation after a fan inquired about what would happen to Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace if 23XI Racing loses its lawsuit against NASCAR. In his latest piece, Bianchi explained that filings from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports state that if the teams lose their crucial charters, they would have no choice but to dissolve operations at the end of the 2025 Cup Series.
“23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports made clear in their most recent filings what would happen if the teams lose their charters,”
Bianchi noted. —Jordan Bianchi, The Athletic
Bianchi further added,
“Among the drivers needing new teams would be Tyler Reddick, a Championship 4 finalist a year ago, Bubba Wallace, who just won the Brickyard 400, Corey Heim, and FRM’s Zane Smith, a young talent viewed as having big upside. Predicting where these guys all would land is nearly impossible; there will be teams that don’t currently have openings but will reevaluate their driver lineups if an upgrade is suddenly available.”
—Jordan Bianchi, The Athletic
This uncertainty has extended to the wider NASCAR field, with several drivers’ futures clouded by the outcome of the looming trial, which is scheduled to begin on December 1. When asked about potential trial outcomes, Bianchi commented on the complexities involved.
“Each side’s lawyers are the real winners here. Billable hours remain undefeated.”
—Jordan Bianchi, The Athletic
Bianchi continued,
“Regarding the outcome of the lawsuit, it is impossible to make an accurate prediction. There are too many unknowns.”
—Jordan Bianchi, The Athletic
Playoff Hopes Remain Despite Looming Legal Battle
As the legal showdown looms in December, Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick are both focusing on the current NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. By the time the trial gets underway, the postseason will be over, and both drivers are aiming for career-defining moments. Reddick, entering his fifth consecutive playoff season, and Wallace, making his second playoff appearance, are determined to leave a mark this year amid the uncertainty.
Speaking with reporters, Reddick reflected on the lessons learned from the regular season.
“Pretty much don’t do what we did the first 26 races,”
he remarked with humor. —Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver
He expanded,
“We’ve been in a position to win and lose, we just – don’t take ourselves out. Yeah, there’s plenty of things on a more serious note to go over and look at how we’ve been doing things. Everyone on the team has been looking into that, working hard, reflecting.”
—Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver
Wallace also addressed his playoff mindset when asked if he could win during the postseason.
“I’m good at winning in the Playoffs when I’m not in the Playoffs,”
Wallace remarked. —Bubba Wallace, NASCAR driver
He added,
“Like I said, I look at the schedule and there’s a lot of good tracks for us coming up. We’ve had speed at almost every track on the circuit for the next 10 weeks, so it just takes that little bit more.”
—Bubba Wallace, NASCAR driver
What Awaits Bubba Wallace and Other Drivers After the Lawsuit?
If 23XI Racing is forced to shut down after the trial, Wallace, Reddick, and talents like Corey Heim and Zane Smith could become free agents, causing a stir in the driver market. Teams not currently looking for new drivers might reconsider their lineups if these drivers suddenly become available, especially with Wallace’s recent Brickyard 400 victory and Reddick’s playoff pedigree. The trial‘s outcome could reshape NASCAR’s team landscape, affecting organizations, drivers, and fans across the circuit.
With the trial date set and speculation building, the future remains uncertain for Bubba Wallace and his peers, as both their playoff performance and off-track developments could have lasting implications for the 2025 season and beyond.
