The 23XI Racing driver, Bubba Wallace, has never been one to hold back his thoughts, and his latest remarks about handling pressure on tough race days were no exception.
When asked how he decompresses after a tough race and moves past bad days, Wallace candidly shared his struggles and coping strategies with his cousin Trey Wallace.
Bubba Wallace Opens Up About Handling Pressure
Speaking on “The Trey Wallace Podcast,” Wallace said, “I look at other people when they have bad days and, you know, they have their interviews where they say they’re frustrated, pissed off, sad, bummed, whatever. And then you see them, you know, 20 minutes later, and they’re somewhat okay to be around.
I realized I could be a pain in the a** to be around after a bad race, and it’s not by any fault of the people around me. It just wasn’t in the cards. I think I can finally understand—only control what you can control, right? And Sunday was out of my control, as frustrating as our day was.”
The incident Wallace referenced happened at Shriners Children’s 300 on March 9, where he experienced brake issues that derailed his race. Wallace was in position to secure a top-10 finish until he blew a front tire and slammed into the outside wall in Turn 1.
In a post-race interview with Fox, Wallace — known for his outspoken personality — bluntly said, “Unfortunate. I hate it. Had such a strong start to the season, but all in all, to be p***** off about it, it is what it is. Felt like I executed all day and just wasn’t in the cards.”
Wallace also spoke about his family on the podcast, saying his wife, Amanda, and their son help keep him grounded. He shared, “Amanda texted me after the race, and she was like, ‘I’m surprised you’re not upset,’ something along those lines. She’s used to it, right? She’s used to the bad days where I’m a pain in the a**. So she was quite surprised as well.”
Next up for Wallace is the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 16.
New Crew Chief Has Wallace Off to Blazing Fast Start in NASCAR Cup Season
Wallace has gotten off to a fast start this NASCAR Cup season thanks to his new crew chief, Charles Denike. The pairing has paid off in spades.
Per NBC Sports:
- Wallace ranks sixth — highest among drivers with a new crew chief this year — in the standings;
- Wallace’s 94 points are more than 20 above his average through the first three races of a season since he’s been at 23XI Racing;
- Won Daytona qualifying race;
- In April, Wallace qualified on the front row for the first time in a Cup road-course race at Circuit of the Americas;
- Won a stage last weekend at COTA.
“I truly believe [Denike is] going to be a game-changer for 23XI. He is special. All I can say is I’m glad we found him,” 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin said.