Denny Hamlin praises Bubba Wallace for his remarkable progress in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, highlighting his growth as a formidable competitor while his teammate, Tyler Reddick, commands headlines with a historic start to the season. As both drivers contribute to 23XI Racing‘s prominence, Hamlin points to Wallace’s dedication and improvement, especially on road courses, as a reason for celebration within the team.
Reddick’s Record Start Draws Attention
Tyler Reddick has captured much of the early season buzz, becoming the first driver in Cup Series history to claim victory in the opening three races. This achievement at venues such as the Circuit of the Americas has thrust 23XI Racing into the spotlight. While celebrating Reddick, co-owner Denny Hamlin desires recognition for the team’s collective strides, emphasizing all his drivers’ roles in the team’s competitive status.
Wallace’s Steady Rise in the Standings
Hamlin points out that Bubba Wallace, Reddick’s teammate, lies second in the series points table after finishing eleventh at Circuit of the Americas. Since joining 23XI Racing in 2020, Wallace’s performances have transformed from consistently finishing in the mid-20s to competing for spots in the top 10. Hamlin attributes this achievement to Wallace’s consistent effort and growing skills behind the wheel.
“I think he’s really taken some big steps. What that allows him to do is now again he’s P2 in points, getting going to a bunch of ovals. So, they love where they’re at, as they should.” – Denny Hamlin, Co-owner 23XI Racing
Progress on Challenging Road Courses
Statistical records demonstrate Wallace’s perseverance on hard-to-master road courses. His recent top-10 results include an eighth-place finish at Watkins Glen last year and ninth place at the Charlotte ROVAL in 2024. In his previous ten road course races, only two resulted in top-10 finishes—both recorded in 2022, one at the Charlotte ROVAL and the other at the Indianapolis Road Course. These numbers may not fully encapsulate his growth, but his mindset and approach on various circuits have noticeably evolved. Despite Reddick’s dominant start to the season capturing headlines, Wallace’s continuous momentum is increasingly evident throughout the field.
Near Wins and Next Steps
Wallace narrowly missed a victory at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta, where he led the field but dropped back to eighth after a miscalculated move during an overtime restart. Throughout the season, his Toyota has shown competitive speed, prompting many within NASCAR to take notice. This Sunday, as the Cup Series heads to Phoenix Raceway, Wallace aims to convert strong performances and consistent speed into his own trip to victory lane, further justifying Hamlin’s enthusiasm for his progress.
With Hamlin’s faith and Wallace’s rising form, 23XI Racing’s position in the Cup Series is stronger than ever. As the season continues, attention could shift from Reddick’s incredible streak to Wallace’s pursuit of his first win of 2026, marking a key milestone in his racing career.
