WATCH: Michael Jordan punches the air in joy as Bubba Wallace secures NASCAR Cup Playoffs R-12 spot
Both 23XI Racing cars made it to the playoffs Round of 12.
Bubba Wallace (Left, credits: IMAGO) and Michael Jodan (SS: NASCAR on NBC/X)
In a thrilling NASCAR race at the Bristol Motor Speedway, Bubba Wallace, driving for the 23XI Racing team, not only secured his spot in the next playoff round but also marked his advancement with a celebration from his NBA legend team co-owner Michael Jordan. The race at Bristol was filled with drama, on-track battles, and intense competition.
Bubba Wallace showcased his determination and skill by finishing third in Stage 1 and securing a 14th-place finish overall. His strong performance allowed him to advance to the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. His teammate Tyler Reddick secured the berth by winning the Kansas race last Sunday.
As the checkered flag waved, it was clear that Wallace had paved his way into the Round of 12. The 23XI co-owner couldn’t be much happier. He was seen punching the air and shaking hands with the 23Xi crew in joy as he watched the race from their pit box. The day is very special as It is the first time Jordan’s team has made it to post-season round two.
What made this race even more memorable was Bubba Wallace’s spirited embrace of the crowd’s reaction. As he crossed the finish line, he faced a chorus of boos from the spectators. Instead of being deterred, Wallace embraced the negativity and used it to fuel his determination. He quoted recent U.S. Women’s Open winner Coco Gauff, saying, “All they are doing is adding fuel to the fire.”
Fans stand divided about Bubba Wallace’s playoff success
The video of him celebrating surfaced on the net, and the fans were elated to see the basketball legend filled with joy. However, there were a few anti-fans who couldn’t help but diminish Bubba Wallace’s success. The critics replied, saying, ‘11 others made it too’ in an attempt to undermine the 23XI Racing driver’s success, making it seem like nothing more than ordinary.
As the playoffs continue, Bubba Wallace and his team have their sights set on further success. With upcoming races at tracks where Wallace has shown promise, such as Texas and Talladega, the future looks bright. The support of Michael Jordan and the determination of Wallace to prove his doubters wrong only added to the excitement surrounding his NASCAR journey.
In the end, the divided opinions among fans only serve to highlight the passion and intensity of NASCAR racing. While some may try to downplay Wallace’s achievement, there’s no denying the significance of his advancement in the playoffs. As the saying goes, “To the victor belong the spoils,” and Bubba Wallace has earned every bit of his place in the Round of 12.
In case you missed it:
- Danica Patrick says F1 should’ve swiftly punished Helmut Marko over xenophobic remarks, just like NASCAR penalized champion Kyle Larson
- Kevin Harvick admits he deserved the early playoff exit, brands the day as ‘the worst one I’ve had with fenders on it’
Rohit Bhaskar
(727 Articles Published)