Embraced by Michael Jordan in Defeat, Bubba Wallace Sets Record Straight: “I Don’t Think We Are a Winning Car Yet, but”

The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season has been the best season of his career for 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace. Not many predicted that Wallace would be able to make the playoffs solely on the basis of points. But he did, and not just into the round of 16, he also was able to reach the round of 12.

However, as the competition heated up in the Charlotte Roval elimination race for the round of eight, Wallace missed out on a shot at the next round. Despite his elimination, his run so far has been highly admirable, and the mood in his team was visible after team owner Michael Jordan spoke with the #23 driver.

Sometime later after the race, Wallace had the chance to speak with the media. During this time, the two-time race winner spoke regarding his season’s goals.

Bubba Wallace sees some light despite being eliminated at the Roval

Following the race, whilst still on pit road, Wallace was interviewed by journalist Matt Weaver. During this time the 23XI Racing driver mentioned, “Who knows I was supposed to be here according to a lot of people.”

He added, “But we proved them wrong and proved a lot of people in the garage wrong that they can’t really count on the #23 on a road course race right? That’s cool to say so gotta continue to work. I don’t think we are a winning car yet. But we are lightyears where we were a few races ago.”

Bubba Wallace says this playoff run was about proving people around the sport wrong, inside the sport wrong.

He always feels like he’s matured in how he handles a defeat like today. pic.twitter.com/CIGcCDGZzp

— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) October 8, 2023

When asked about how he felt when he stepped out of the race car knowing that he had been eliminated. Wallace subsequently responded, “Ten years ago I would be ready to punch something. I guess that’s maturing, growing up, and accepting the fate and wasn’t meant to be.”

Michael Jordan was seen supporting Wallace and his crew chief after the race

The NBA legend was present watching the race as it progressed. He must have been elated with Tyler Reddick making it into the round of eight. However, on the other end of the spectrum, Wallace had been eliminated.

Regardless of the situation, Jordan appeared to speak with Wallace and cheer him for the success he has had so far this season. Weaver shared a clip over social media showcasing the 23XI Racing team owner sharing a moment with the #23 driver and his crew chief.

23XI Racing team owner Michael Jordan debriefs with Bubba Wallace and Bootie Barker pic.twitter.com/NSTwDfsanH

— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) October 8, 2023

Despite what happened at Charlotte, Wallace can go home knowing that he did well this season. He definitely has proved several people wrong. Moving forward he will look to improve himself and consistently deliver as well as progress ahead in his career.