WATCH: Michael Jordan consoles Bubba Wallace after disappointing NASCAR Cup playoffs exit at ROVAL

Bubba Wallace has never made it through to the Round of 12 in playoffs.

WATCH: Michael Jordan consoles Bubba Wallace after disappointing NASCAR Cup playoffs exit at ROVAL

Michael Jordan and Bubba Wallace hugging post Charlotte race (Credits: YouTube)

In a poignant moment captured on video, Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, reached out to console Bubba Wallace after the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs elimination race at the Charlotte ROVAL. The video, now circulating on the web, showcases the emotional connection between the team owner and his No:23 Toyota driver, highlighting the camaraderie and mutual respect within the 23XI Racing family.

Wallace’s playoff journey in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series had been a rollercoaster of achievements and challenges. Driving for 23XI Racing, Wallace entered the playoffs as the 16th driver, marking his playoff debut. Despite the ups and downs, Wallace displayed promise in the initial races, proving his mettle and advancing into the round of 12.

YouTube video

The pivotal moment occurred as the race concluded when Michael Jordan, a towering figure in the sports world, walked up to Wallace in the pit stand. The video captured a touching scene where Jordan congratulated Wallace on his career-best season and playoffs run. The duo shared a heartfelt hug, and Jordan, patting Bubba on the back, offered words of encouragement.

FS Video

“All right, I will see you in Vegas,” said Jordan, reflecting not just on the moment but looking ahead to the remaining races in the season. The brief exchange encapsulated the supportive dynamic between the team owner and the driver, showcasing the genuine camaraderie that fuels 23XI Racing.

Discover: Bubba Wallace bemoans playoff elimination, admits he should’ve done better at ROVAL ‘while racing around there with squirrels’

Bubba Wallace’s 30th birthday turns sour as he bows out of the playoffs 

The disappointment loomed large at the Charlotte Roval, the stage for the playoff elimination. Wallace faced a significant points deficit, and a late spin by Daniel Suárez added to the challenges. Even without the spin, the competition was fierce, making advancement to the Round of 8 a formidable task.

Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing
Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing (Credits: NASCAR)

After the race, Wallace, visibly disappointed, shared his thoughts on the season. Despite the playoff setback, he expressed contentment with the overall performance, emphasizing the progress made by the team throughout the season. Wallace acknowledged room for improvement during the race, questioning if he could have been faster around other cars to avoid elimination. He claimed he was “running around with squirrels.”

The 30th birthday of Bubba Wallace became a bittersweet occasion as it coincided with his playoff elimination. The circumstances mirrored notable drivers like Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, and Brad Keselowski. Despite the disappointment, Wallace’s resilience and commitment to future races shone through in his post-race comments.

Wallace’s 2023 season, despite the playoff exit, has been a standout in his NASCAR career. The video with Michael Jordan adds a personal touch to the narrative, highlighting not only the highs and lows of racing but also the human connections that make the sport truly special.

As Wallace looks ahead to the remaining races in Las Vegas, Homestead, Martinsville, and Phoenix, the support from Michael Jordan serves as a motivating force, propelling him towards achieving the ninth-place finish by the end of the season.

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