USA Today via Reuters
May 28, 2022; Concord, North Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) during Nascar Cup qualifying at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 28, 2022; Concord, North Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) during Nascar Cup qualifying at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Bubba Wallace has been struggling with his pit crew from the start of the season. However, as the playoffs come closer, there is a major saving grace for Bubba Wallace. Incidentally, this move has attracted more criticism than love.
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Joe Gibbs Racing switched Christopher Bell and Wallace’s pit crews. Although this was great news for Wallace, it did not trill the fans. Especially fans of the #20 Toyota Camry.
Even prominent NASCAR Journalist, Dave Moody spoke against this move.
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If I'm @CBellRacing, I'm not feeling like a high priority right now. #NoPitCrewLove
— Dave Moody (@DGodfatherMoody) July 6, 2022
Naturally, Denny Hamlin was not happy about the criticism, and responded to the tweet, effectively adding gasoline to a burning flame.
So, Bubba Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft, tried to clear the air on the matter.
USA Today via Reuters
Jul 3, 2022; Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) before the start of the KWIK TRIP 250 at Road America. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Freddie Kraft came on an episode of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Door Bumper Clear podcast where he explained the switch.
He said, “Spot off for Moody’s comment. It kind of caused a bit of a sh*t show last week. Especially someone like Moody, who should understand the situation a lot better”
“This is no different than changing your starting line of a baseball team or changing the lines of our hockey team. They didn’t take the entire #23 pit crew and the entire #20 pit crew and just swap em. They took the front tire changers off our team and swapped them with the front changer of the #20. The #20 got a new rear changer.”
“it’s just a move to see if certain guys work with other guys.”
But what was Denny Hamlin’s comment that created the controversy?
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What Did Denny Hamlin Say to Moody?
23XI Racing’s co-owner Denny Hamlin is not someone who shies away from sharing his mind. And so was the case when Dave Moody spoke against his team. So, like a proud father of 23XI Racing, Hamlin defended the move.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2022; Daytona, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
What makes you say that Dave?
Especially without knowledge of why changes were made. Chemistry,speed, leadership, experience is what makes up a successful pit crew. Some teams have 2 or 3 of those but not all. Perhaps by mixing a few from one to another is helps both get all 4 https://t.co/v9PkOv3ck3
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) July 6, 2022
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So, is Denny right? Is this big move ideal for helping both teams? Let us know your opinions in the comments.
Written by
Edited by
Ankit Sharma