Bubba Wallace approaches the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series Round of 16 with determination, eager for improvement at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway. The Bubba Wallace Gateway performance update is particularly significant as he strives to achieve a personal best at the Madison, Illinois track, where previous results have been challenging for the No. 23 team.
Track History and Mindset Ahead of Gateway
Historically, Wallace’s performances at Gateway have not lived up to his aspirations, with a career-best finish of 21st in three NASCAR Cup Series starts, and an average result of 25.7—his lowest among all active ovals. Reflecting on this, Wallace candidly stated,
“We don’t really have anything to brag about in the Cup car here,”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver. He added,
“Aside from our 2014 truck win — a little bit different.”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver. The contrast between his truck victory in 2014 and recent Cup results sets the stage for his renewed focus on improvement at this venue.
Momentum from Recent Success and a Boost in Points
Wallace enters Gateway with positive momentum, having secured a sixth-place finish at the Darlington Raceway playoff opener. This performance earned him the fourth-most points in the prestigious crown-jewel race and increased his advantage to 25 points above the playoff elimination line. The points cushion offers the No. 23 team crucial flexibility heading into the challenging races at Gateway and Bristol Motor Speedway, both key events as the Round of 16 unfolds.
Similar Track Success and Tire Strategy Offer Hope
Wallace’s optimism is fueled by recent successes at comparable tracks this season. At Richmond Raceway, he led a career-high 123 laps, and made a notable drive through the field at Iowa Raceway, finishing sixth after a late restart from the back. Importantly, Gateway will use the same Goodyear Racing tire deployed at Iowa, something Wallace believes could contribute to a better outcome.
“Hopefully, that breeds some success from Iowa,”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver. He remains realistic about the variability across NASCAR circuits, acknowledging,
“Every track is unique, and every track is different. You can go back to Iowa and not have the same result that we did — that’s just how much things evolve and change.”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver.
Pragmatic Preparation and Mental Approach
Wallace remains focused on identifying what the No. 23 car needs for Gateway, recognizing the challenge this track presents.
“We just have to lock in, figure out what our car needs. This is probably the one out of the 10 that are circled that’s like, eh, need to figure out something here. Not in a bad way. I’m excited for the challenge and excited to figure it out. I think we’re in a good spot. It’s different looking at points now versus being on the bubble looking at points. I’m OK, plus 25. I’ll take it.”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver. His mindset is anchored by recent results, as Wallace and the team build on five top-10 finishes over the last seven races, including a career-defining victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Leadership from Rookie Crew Chief Charles Denike
This forward-thinking approach is guided by rookie Cup Series crew chief Charles Denike, whose strategies have played a key role in the team’s upward trend and playoff resilience. The synergy between Wallace and Denike will face another test at Gateway‘s unique layout and demands.
Comfort in Discomfort: Pushing for a New Personal Best
Wallace admits his usual philosophy may not fully fit the Gateway challenge, sharing,
“My philosophy and mindset coming into this place is not vibing,”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver. He continued,
“Looking forward to doing something new and chasing a feel that’s different and being comfortable being uncomfortable. I feel like we have a good hold on our short-track stuff, so I don’t think it will be any different.”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver. This willingness to adapt will be essential as Wallace confronts the unknowns at Gateway.
Support from 23XI Racing and Denny Hamlin
Confidence also comes from within the 23XI Racing organization, as co-owner Denny Hamlin sees promise in Wallace’s approach and upcoming schedule.
“I think that they feel pretty good,”
—Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing Co-Owner. He added,
“They have some good tracks these next couple of weeks and have the speed to do it. As long as they focus on the execution of the race, I think they will be fine.”
—Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing Co-Owner. This perspective highlights the consistent execution that has supported Wallace at tracks like Bristol, where his team has achieved multiple top-15 results in recent years.
The Road Ahead for Bubba Wallace and the No. 23 Team
The significance of the next races is clear for Wallace as he aims to translate recent momentum into a standout Gateway performance. Facing a personal test at a track that has been a stumbling block in his Cup Series career, Wallace relies on his team, strategic changes, and renewed confidence—backed by results at similar venues and the same Goodyear Racing tire setup. Looking forward, his performance in Madison, Illinois could reshape his Cup Series narrative and determine the No. 23 team’s fate in this playoff round.
