In the high-stakes world of NASCAR postseason, one driver’s journey in the playoffs has become a captivating story. Bubba Wallace, after five seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series, is experiencing something entirely new. A spot in the playoffs. Throughout his career, Wallace has shown resilience, working diligently through ups and downs.

In recent years, especially since joining 23XI Racing, he’s been on an upward trajectory. His performance has garnered praise from many including the former Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Steve Letarte, who has witnessed Wallace’s growth, particularly during the intense competition of the playoffs. As he navigates the challenges of his first playoff run, the Alabama native opens up about how he handles the pressure.

Bubba Wallace shares his secret to dealing with stress

As the playoff landscape shifts, some drivers who were strong contenders earlier now sit outside the bubble. Amidst this uncertainty, Wallace is making strides, although the path ahead remains challenging, especially considering it’s his playoff debut. The upcoming race at Bristol presents an opportunity for him to shine, but winning seems like a long shot. Regardless, the 23XI Racing driver is determined to give his best.

Reflecting on how he copes with the playoff stress, Wallace emphasized the importance of balance. “I get as far away as I can from racing each and every week just to have an escape,” he shared. “This season is long, and you can get caught up in it. You can definitely get zoned out while you’re trying to stay in the zone. it’s weird how that all works out.”

He elaborated on his approach to managing the pressure, saying, “We get home from races Sunday night, go to our meetings on Monday, and then, you know, I usually try to play some golf or hang at home, playing video games with Amanda, whatever it may be, just to have that normal life feel. And then you get back into the swing of things Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. So, I try not to put too much emphasis on it.”

As Bubba Wallace heads into the final race of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series round of 16, the odds are stacked against him. Making the playoffs on points during the regular season earned him a berth in the post season, but his current 14th place in the standings makes the road ahead challenging.

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NASCAR Insiders weigh in on Wallace’s chances to advance in the postseason

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Only 12 drivers will advance to the next round after the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Wallace currently finds himself 19 points behind the cutoff line, making his playoff survival uncertain.

It’s been a breakthrough year for the #23 team at 23XI Racing and Wallace, but the Bristol race will determine whether he can continue his playoff journey. A win would secure his place in the Round of 12, but if he relies on points, many other drivers’ final positions will need to fall into place in Bristol.

NASCAR insiders Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi offer their perspectives on Wallace’s chances. Gluck, known for his realistic analysis, predicts that Wallace may not advance. Citing the tough competition and his need for multiple favorable outcomes. “Michael McDowell and Ricky Stenhouse Jr are virtually out already, so they are easy picks. Bubba Wallace has a lot of work to do and needs a lot of things to happen in order to advance, so he’s probably out as well,” Jeff Gluck told the Athletic. “That leaves one spot… I’m not sure who that would be and it’s impossible to predict without simply making a wild guess. But I’m picking Truex to survive this round.”

On the other hand, Bianchi suggests that Wallace could still make it on points with some assistance, though it’s a challenging task. “Wallace could conceivably advance via points, though he would likely need some help to do that and this is a big ask,” he added.

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As the racing world watches with bated breath, Bubba Wallace faces a crucial test at Bristol. The playoff pressure is on, and every move counts. Whether he advances or not, his journey this season has been remarkable, and his resilience is commendable. Share your race predictions in the comment below.