Bubba Wallace is returning to the NASCAR Cup Series with big goals in 2026, determined to elevate his standing in the sport. Heading into his ninth full-time season, Wallace is focused on building on his previous successes as he competes with 23XI Racing to challenge NASCAR’s top teams.
Recent Success and Challenges Facing Wallace and His Team
Wallace comes off a strong 2025 campaign, highlighted by his victory at the Brickyard 400 and personal bests in top-five finishes, top-10s, and laps led, totaling 378. Despite these achievements, he and 23XI Racing acknowledge that there is more potential yet to be unlocked.
Last season presented obstacles, including an antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR itself, which cast uncertainty over the team’s future. Additionally, Wallace had to adapt to working with a new crew chief, Charles Denike, who stepped up from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to lead the Cup Series efforts.
With the lawsuit resolved and now entering their second year together, the partnership between Wallace and Denike is gaining momentum. Wallace said,
“Charles is super easy going, I think I am too,”
highlighting their compatible dynamic.
He added,
“We have a really good relationship that started right off the bat. He’s been very confident with the work he’s been doing. Halfway through the year, he’s leading some of our meetings. He’s the type of person who takes his job very seriously. He pays attention to detail, and I’m excited to have another trip around the sun with him.”
Anticipation Builds Ahead of the 2026 Daytona 500
Wallace expresses optimism about the upcoming Daytona 500, aiming to make history as the first African-American winner of NASCAR’s most prestigious race. He said,
“I feel really good about it. Getting a lot of signs that it’s going to be a good weekend,”
and added,
“We’ve grown and matured as a team. To come into this year more confident and more focused — we’ve just got to dot our I’s and cross our T’s. We just have to put it all together.”
Expansion of 23XI Racing Reflects Ambitious Growth Plans
Since its inception in 2021, 23XI Racing has quickly grown from a single-car team centered on Wallace to a larger organization. In 2026, the co-owned team by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin will field three full-time cars, driven by Wallace, Riley Herbst, and Tyler Reddick. Additionally, the team will run a fourth car numbered 67 for development driver Corey Heim in 12 races throughout the season.
23XI Racing’s Goal to Rival NASCAR’s Leading Teams
Wallace and 23XI Racing have ambitious plans to break into NASCAR’s upper echelon, targeting the sport’s established teams such as Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and Team Penske. Wallace said,
“We want to disrupt the big three. We want to put our name in that category, and they are really passionate about that.”
He also mentioned a recent leadership meeting, saying,
“We had a great leadership meeting a couple of weeks ago that emphasized a lot of key notes, and it was a big reflection of all of us in that room. So just high expectations.”
Wallace recognizes the challenge ahead, noting that the dominant teams benefit from extensive resources and experienced personnel, but is confident that 23XI Racing’s dedicated approach can close the gap.
The Road Ahead for Wallace and 23XI Racing
With momentum building and key relationships solidifying, Bubba Wallace and 23XI Racing are poised for a defining 2026 season. Their drive to compete against NASCAR’s powerhouses — through strong teamwork, leadership, and persistent focus — makes them a team to watch as the new season unfolds.
