“This Is a JGR Supply Issue” – Kurt Busch Points the Finger at Joe Gibbs Racing for Bubba Wallace’s NASCAR Pit Struggles

If someone gave you a dollar every time Bubba Wallace had a good run, without a pit stop error, or another unforeseen circumstance ruining his race, you probably won’t be able to shop at the dollar store.

However, amidst all the talk, 23XI Racing driver, Kurt Busch, revealed the cause of the issue. Busch has pointed the finger at Joe Gibbs Racing for the issues 23XI Racing is facing.

23XI Racing has gotten help from Joe Gibbs Racing ever since they started racing. Of course, one of their owners, Denny Hamlin, has been driving for the team ever since he set foot in the Cup Series in 2005. Moreover, both of them are Toyota teams. Of course, having support from a well-established team is great!

That being said, this alliance means JGR is responsible for developing, training, and selecting each week the pit crews for Bubba and Kurt’s teams.

And, Kurt Busch spoke about it in conversation with The Athletic, where he feels that 23XI’s issues all land at a supply issue from Joe Gibbs. He said, “As many problems as the 23 (team) has had, there’s nothing even anything worth saying anymore,” 

Busch added, “This is a JGR supply issue.”

23XI Racing’s Alliance With Toyota And Joe Gibbs Racing

23XI Racing, a team co-owned by Joe Gibbs Racing driver, Denny Hamlin, and NBA Legend, Michael Jordan, emerged in the NASCAR Cup Series scene in 2021. And the team chose Bubba Wallace to drive the #23 car. However, they were not alone. In fact, they partnered with Toyota Racing Development to get the engines, data, and technical assistance.

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On the other hand, they also came in with a friendly alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing, who they will purchase the chassis from. Moreover, other services and crew will also be provided by Denny Hamlin’s team.

Michael Jordan said in a statement, “Our partnership with Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing gives us the equipment, resources and expertise to do it.”

Of course, it’s a great idea to get help from another, well-established team to propel 23XI into competing for wins.

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However, according to Kurt Busch, this seems to have turned around for them a bit. Unfortunately, the #23 car barely makes its way into the top 15 every race. And, more often than not, its race is sabotaged by the crew.

So, is it a good idea for 23XI racing to consider hiring their exclusive pit crew?