Bubba Wallace credits Michael Jordan’s ‘motivation’ for his progress into the R-12

Both the 23XI Racing cars made it into R-12 at Bristol.

Bubba Wallace credits Michael Jordan’s ‘motivation’ for his progress into the R-12

Bubba Wallace and Michael Jordan (Via IMAGO)

As NASCAR entered the Round 2 playoffs, Bubba Wallace and his No. 23 team embarked on an emotional journey, showcasing resilience and determination that left a mark on the racing world. The path to 23XI Racing’s success was fraught with challenges, and Wallace credits his team’s owner, Michael Jordan, as the source of their motivation.

When the playoffs unfolded, Wallace’s team faced an initial setback when they were excluded from the NASCAR Cup Series owner playoffs. Wallace began his inaugural NASCAR Cup Series playoff campaign, culminating years of relentless dedication and hard work. Against all odds, Wallace’s team ultimately secured the berth in the prestigious Round of 12. This achievement held extra significance given their earlier struggles.

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Reflecting on their success, Wallace shared the profound motivation in the unwavering support of his team owner, Jordan. “I haven’t talked to him (Michael Jordan) yet,” Bubba Wallace shared with a chuckle, acknowledging the jet-setting lifestyle of the basketball icon. “Hahahaha. Super cool, super cool to have him here.”

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“You don’t even have to say anything,” Wallace continued. Wallace claimed that his team owner was the source of inspiration for him and his entire team. “You know, he knows that he motivates me and motivates our whole team to go out and execute, and that’s what we did,” he told Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.

Discover: WATCH: Michael Jordan punches the air in joy as Bubba Wallace secures NASCAR Cup Playoffs R-12 spot

Bubba Wallace claims Bristol was much more stressful than Daytona

Recognizing the emotional aspects of their triumph, Wallace admitted that self-praise was rare for him. However, this moment warranted an exception. Wallace’s pride in his team resonated strongly. “So proud of all of our guys,” he declared, underlining the collective effort of “23 groups strong,” a testament to their unwavering mental and physical strength. Their unity and determination were instrumental in their remarkable achievements.

Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace
Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace (Credits: Whiskey Riff)

As for the race at Bristol, it was a rollercoaster of emotions and pressure, pushing the limits of stress for Wallace. In a candid moment, he admitted, “I thought Daytona was stressful. This may have topped it.” It was a stark revelation of the immense pressure he experienced, amplified by the significance of the playoff journey.

With the playoffs top 12 secured, Wallace focused on the road ahead. He understood the imperative of maintaining their competitive edge and avoiding complacency. Wallace aims to perform well in the upcoming race at Texas and hopes to continue their form. 

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