In an unpredictable Texas Motor Speedway twist, the #24 of Hendrick Motorsports snatched the lead in a heart-pounding finale, leaving a crushed champ of Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin in his wake. The nail-biting ending of the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 culminated with William Byron securing HMS’ historic 300th victory. 

While Byron’s success may have been celebrated in the Hendrick camp, others weren’t so lucky. Owning Wallace’s car, Michael Jordan had to swallow a bitter pill while Rick Hendrick reveled in his team’s milestone.

What happened to Bubba Wallace after leading the most laps in Texas?

Bubba Wallace, leading a significant chunk of the race with a career-high 111 laps, might have seen victory on the horizon. But racing is as unpredictable as Texas weather. Wallace began from pole position and was poised to bag his third career win until fate intervened.

Bubba Wallace was in the driver’s seat mostly because Kyle Larson crashed while vying for the lead on a restart with 17 laps to go. After more than a lap of racing side-by-side, Larson lost control of his car, entered Turn 1, and slammed into the outside wall, finishing P31. However, Bubba Wallace was able to maintain his lead on the subsequent restart, with Larson out of the picture. The grid was once again set up for a late restart after a multi-car collision, and that’s when Chase Briscoe selected the front row, underneath Wallace.

Known for wearing his emotions on his sleeves, the No. 23 of Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s team stated, “Third time I fooled myself starting on top. These guys gave me the right information. 14 is tight and he sent it off in there. I wasn’t going to stick, but that’s what he’s got to do. We’re racing for a win and just hate it.” 

He added, “I should have kept my line in the three and forced William (Byron) to get tight. You’re still vulnerable in these cars, right? I’ve just upset myself. I really needed a win there. It’s a good showing. I don’t know where that puts us. I don’t care, but I know what I did … I choked!“

A multi-car crash, which included reigning Texas champ Tyler Reddick, reset the field, paving the way for Byron’s dramatic surge. Wallace finished third, narrowly missing a podium top spot but securing ninth in the standings.

WATCH THIS STORY: Bubba Wallace Receives a Five-Word Ultimatum From His NASCAR Team Employee Just Hours Before Billionaire Michael Jordan’s Approval

But the question remains! How exactly did Byron overtake the ace of Michael Jordan? 

How Byron Stole the Spotlight from Michael Jordan’s Star Driver

Bubba Wallace was able to maintain his lead on the subsequent restart with Larson out of the picture. The grid was once again set up for a late restart after a multi-car collision. Bubba Wallace had to move up the track when Briscoe almost passed him for the lead on the restart. William Byron sailed off into the warm Texas night in the lead after passing both drivers.

William Byron, showing impeccable timing, took charge only in the final six laps after executing a daring three-wide pass on Wallace and Chase Briscoe. Starting from the back, Byron’s incredible strategy and split-second decisions ensured he stood atop the podium. The silver lining? This becomes Byron’s series-leading sixth win of the 2023 season. 

Another Hendrick Motorsports stalwart, Kyle Larson, seemed destined for the victory lap. That was until J. J. Yeley’s crash, 25 laps short of the finish, turned the tables. Larson’s duel with Wallace ended in smoke as the #5 driver slammed into the outside wall, concluding his race prematurely.

READ MORE: “I’m sorry”- Conceited Bubba Wallace bites his tongue as Michael Jordan’s impressive superstar struggles to dominate

In conclusion, the Texas Motor Speedway event was not just another race. It was a whirlwind of emotions, drama, and history in the making. The race had everything from the potential win for Michael Jordan being whisked away to Hendrick’s historic triumph.