Despite Kurt Busch‘s heartbreaking premature retirement and a below-expectations overall result from Bubba Wallace in 2022, things seem to have started well for 23XI Racing in 2023. Of course, the arrival of a talent like Tyler Reddick is a big factor in that.

But apart from their strength on the field, the team seems to be ‘vibing’ off the field as well. This much was clear from the recent Instagram stories of Bubba Wallace.

Ahead of the Daytona 500, the #23 driver posted a string of stories on his social media handle, two of which had his sponsor McDonald’s and his new teammate Tyler Reddick.

In fact, in one of the stories, Wallace seems to be pulling Reddick’s leg as the latter finds it difficult to work his around the kitchen at McDonald’s to which the #23 driver said, “He’s getting all the help.” 

Bubba Wallace is ready for the Daytona 500

Few drivers in NASCAR face as much pressure and as much criticism as Bubba Wallace. Heading into this third season with 23XI, which by all means, is now one of the best teams in the grid, many are wondering if 2023 would be the year he loses his #23.

But for Wallace, the external pressure is not deafening. For him, it’s like noise which he is ignoring because the pressure he has within himself is much bigger than that.

“I put enough pressure on myself,” Wallace said as per Motorsport. He added that this is “the most excited” he’s ever been at the start of a season in his career. “I’m excited. You cross your fingers and toes to hopefully be able to make it out in one piece this race,” he added.

“It’s let’s get through Daytona and make a statement. I feel like our team is well-ready and well-capable of doing that.”

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Wallace is important for NASCAR as per Kyle Petty

Last season, when Bubba Wallace wrecked Kyle Larson at Vegas, one of his most brutal critics was Kyle Petty. But despite that, Petty is of the opinion that NASCAR needs personalities and drivers like Wallace.

“Bubba is important to the sport,” Kyle Petty said as per Clarion-Ledger.

Petty compared Wallace’s presence to Danica Patrick in NASCAR, how she opened up a lot of doors for female drivers. However, there’s a big difference between the two.

“With Bubba, it is totally different. He has the talent to win if he is in the right equipment. He just means so much to the African American community,” Petty added.

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