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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 DoorDash Toyota, talks with co-team owner Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, after the last chance qualifying race for the NASCAR Cup Series Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on February 06, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 DoorDash Toyota, talks with co-team owner Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, after the last chance qualifying race for the NASCAR Cup Series Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on February 06, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
COTA was a great race for some drivers, while not the best for others. While Ross Chastain clenched Trackhouse Racing’s first-ever cup series win. On the other hand, Bubba Wallace was on the other side of the spectrum with race performance. Although, the #23 Camry was fast on the street track. A mid-race incident caused the 23XI driver to lose it all. Unfortunately, a tire got loose and came off of the car and started rolling on the track, causing a yellow flag.
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Bubba Wallace‘s Crew Chief, Bootie Barker, will be suspended for the next four races, along with the Jackman, Caleb Dirks, and rear tire changer, Adam Riley.
As expected, Bubba Wallace crew chief Bootie Barker, jackman Caleb Dirks and rear tire changer Adam Riley suspended for the next four races because of the wheel coming off at COTA.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 29, 2022
However, 23XI decided to not appeal the suspension. In fact, a replacement has already been called in.
23XI will not appeal. Dave Rogers will be the crew chief. https://t.co/cDZe89vpA1
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 29, 2022
Most likely, former Crew Chief of Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart, Dave Rogers, will fill in Bootie Barker’s shoes.
NASCAR Fans React to Bubba Wallace’s New Crew Chief
Although Dave Rogers is only temporary, it seems the fans are already thrilled about it. Especially considering Rogers’ experience as a Crew Chief.
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In fact, he was the Crew Chief for Joe Gibbs for a long time, working with Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and also Tony Stewart. And, the response from fans further proves the favorable response.
I’d call that an upgrade
— Terry (@TMush3) March 29, 2022
with all the changes Bubba will have a good race this week if they keep wheels under the car
— Alan Tallent (@AlanTallent) March 30, 2022
Carl's crew chief in 2016 when he had the title won before the phantom caution.
— Brandon Mayberry (@Bandaid99B) March 29, 2022
Man Dave as a backup is a nice luxury to have
— John D (@jpd_028) March 30, 2022
Dave Rogers might elevate this team.
— Marv (@MikeLB55) March 30, 2022
Fascinatingly, many fans are opposed to having Mike Wheeler as the Crew Chief again.
Thank god Mike wheeler is not the choice
— Sir Relkinstein (@sirrelkinstein) March 29, 2022
Thank God it’s not Wheels
— Ian ✌🏾 (@GRoddy3x) March 29, 2022
Dave Roger’s Experience in NASCAR
Dave Rogers is a household name at Joe Gibbs Racing. Having joined JGR in 1998, he started as the Race Engineer for the Legendary #20 car of Tony Stewart. Later, he moved on to become the Crew Chief for another Cup Series winning car. The #18 Camry of Kyle Busch. It is no surprise that the fans favor a man with so much experience.
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LAS VEGAS – JANUARY 29: Tony Stewart, driver of the #20 Home Depot Chevrolet, in the garage during NASCAR testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway January 29, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)
In the end, it’s unfortunate what happened to Bubba Wallace’s Crew Chief, but will Dave Rogers be a better fit for the #23 car? Let’s wait and find out!
Written by
Edited by
Vibhanshu Kumar