“He told me to shut up,” Bubba Wallace gives insight into a pep-talk from IndyCar legend Scott Dixon that helped him to deliver at Glen

Bubba Wallace revealed that the IndyCar star Scott Dixon told him to believe in himself.

“He told me to shut up,” Bubba Wallace gives insight into a pep-talk from IndyCar legend Scott Dixon that helped him to deliver at Glen

Bubba Wallace (Credits: Los Angeles Times) Scott Dixon ( IndyStar)

If there was one thing Bubba Wallace needed ahead of the Watkins Glen race, it was reassurance. The 23XI Racing driver spoke to the six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon who gave him a piece of advice before the race. This helped Bubba Wallace deliver a solid performance as he finished 12th in Sunday’s Go Bowling at The Glen 300. 

Though it was not Wallace’s best road course result, he enjoyed the race. He finished eighth and ninth in the first two stages. If not for the caution for Chase Elliott’s car, Wallace could have had a top-ten finish. The No.23 Toyota Camry driver revealed that he spoke to Scott Dixon about the mental piece of it and the difficulty of a road course race. Wallace praised the IndyCar star for helping him believe in himself. 

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After the race, Bubba Wallace told NBC, “Shout out to Scott Dixon. I actually talked to him this morning about the mental piece of it. It’s hard when you climb in for a road course race and tell yourself you are going to crash, and you are going to suck. When you tell yourself that every time, he basically told me, ‘Shut the hell up. I’m here for a reason and trust in myself, and I’m here for a reason. Believe in myself.” 

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Bubba Wallace felt confident at the Watkins Glen road course race

Bubba Wallace (Image via Essentially Sports)
Bubba Wallace (Image via Essentially Sports)

Wallace added, “I don’t think I had one lap today where I thought I was going to suck, so that’s good.” Thanks to the advice from his friend, the Mobile, Alabama native felt confident. Bubba Wallace’s focus and determination gave him a 32-point lead over the playoff line. There is no doubt that this is a crucial moment for him this season. Wallace will be cautious though it is unlikely that another driver can beat him for 16th place based on points alone. 

Bubba Wallace is glad William Byron won the race, and it wasn’t a new winner. This helps him with a playoff spot. The 29-year-old also revealed his secret to a top-12 finish at Watkins Glen was “execution.” Wallace was delighted and confessed he felt proud of himself for the first time after a road course race. 

Bubba Wallace is focused on the season finale at Daytona. He understands that past success does not guarantee future success and hopes to get through qualifying in the upcoming race. Wallace is optimistic and cautious and wants to enter the weekend with a positive mindset. There is no doubt that all eyes will be on him at Daytona. 

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