“This Sport is so Hard!” Bubba Wallace Spill the Beans on Key to Tyler Reddick’s Dominant 2026

23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace has shared his thoughts on teammate Tyler Reddick’s dominant five-win 2026 season.

“This Sport is so Hard!” Bubba Wallace Spill the Beans on Key to Tyler Reddick’s Dominant 2026

Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace (Via IMAGO)

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season has so far witnessed an historic run from 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick. He became the only racer in history to win first three races of the season and the first since Dale Eranhardt to win five of the first nine races. His teammate Bubba Wallace in the other hand is having a winless season.

On his latest interview with ex-crew chief turned broadcaster Steve Letarte, the TRD driver shared his thoughts on his teammate’s dominance. He highlighted how going winless in 2025 while the No:23 car won the Brickyard 400 was tough for the No:45 driver and taking that to heart has played a key role in the redemption run of 2026.

1000%, like incredible to see how we come off last year — obviously, just the Brickyard 400, not downplaying that at all — but Reddick went winless. That’s right, winless. massive win. And then all of a sudden, it’s like, who lit a fire under him, right? I think he took going winless to heart. I mean, I did it for three years, and it’s just hard, man. This sport is so hard.

Bubba Wallace told Steve Letarte.

Further talking about the point, the 23XI Racing driver pointed out the chaotic pre-season and the conversation they had with the team lit a fire within everyone, earning him success. Bubba Wallace is happy about the strong start his teammate Tyler Reddick has had and also highlighted how they have been great teammates for the last four seasons.

I think the conversations that we had with leadership and just getting the preseason meetings kicked off kind of lit a fire in everybody. The hot start that we’ve had — I am happy for him and the team and the success. Tyler and I, we’ve been great teammates, I feel like, for the last four years. I think it’s his fourth year there.

Bubba Wallace added.

Bubba Wallace declares he is close to making a comeback

In the same conversation, Wallace admitted that he isn’t unhappy about his teammate winning while him not getting into the victory lane. But he is sad about the fact that he isn’t performing on the same level as Reddick.

Bubba Wallace
Bubba Wallace (Via Motorcyclesports.net)

I’ve had no “man, why him?” — none of that. It’s just like, man, when’s it our turn? How can it be me? It’s not “why him,” it’s “I want it to be me.” And it’s not a woe-is-me thing. It’s understanding how tough this sport is, and when you’re on it, you’re on it.

Bubba Wallace asserted.

Further talking about the point, he asserted that his 2026 comeback will happen soon, as they have shows they are capable of winning races with the close calls at Darlington and Martinsville. They are waiting for that one last move to stick for them.

And we’re close, man. We gave up two races there — Darlington and Martinsville — but we’re getting back into form. I told my team yesterday, if we can break through — we were running eighth to ninth — I said if we can break through and get into the top five, it’s gonna be game over.

Bubba Wallace said.

The comments from the veteran are on point and shows how much the No:45 teams’ performance has built confidence inside the 23XI garage. It would be interesting to see how the 2026 season is going to playout for the duo.

Also Read: “I Just Got a Weird Feeling!” Dale Earnhardt Jr. Predicts Shocking Kyle Busch Move to Spire Motorsports