The popular axiom suggests “there is always room for improvement,” but is there enough room left for Bubba Wallace, considering the time crunch? The countdown to the playoffs has begun with Crayon 301 in New Hampshire on Sunday. However, not everything seems to be bright for many drivers, especially Bubba Wallace, as he has slid below the cut-off mark for the playoffs.

Moreover, it seems the hope to enter the post-season seems to be getting bleaker with each passing day, as the racer is yet to score a victory. With just seven races left in the calendar of the regular season, Wallace’s angst is apparent as he discloses his stance to NASCAR News regarding his uncertainty to make it to the playoffs, ahead of the race at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Bubba Wallace heaves his frustrations as the uncertainty to enter the playoffs looms

It was just a month and a half ago when Bubba Wallace was riding the high waves of the Cup Series with grace. After being hurled with endless criticism for his winless streak, the #23 Toyota driver was finally bringing forth his prowess and caliber as a Cup Series driver in May. Wallace had achieved four consecutive top-5 finishes and was raising hope for fans as well as his team owner Denny Hamlin.

However, it seems that there are major hiccups on Wallace’s path to the playoffs as the trajectory seems to take a downward turn. Whether it was the issues on the pit road or on-track wrecks, Wallace’s performance in the last few races has grabbed attention for all the wrong reasons.

 In the interview with NASCAR, Bubba Wallace divulged how his team struggles to execute and the hope to enter his maiden playoffs seems to be a dream. In a frustrated tone, the #23 Toyota driver revealed, “We had a few mistakes that started off our weekend bad. I guess you could say that’s in the cards, so we don’t deserve to be in right now with the way we’re performing and executing.

“This week was a big reflection week for everybody on the #23 team on how we need to execute. Mistakes like this at this point in the season, there’s no excuse for it. Whether it’s my fault on track or the crew’s fault in preparation. We need to be better as a team moving forward to even think about playoffs.”

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Denny Hamlin sides with his driver and empathizes with Wallace

The tryst between Bubba Wallace and his pit crew has been a persistent one and is apparent through the span of the past races in the ongoing season. Even NASCAR fans have been livid with the poor execution of strategies, by the team.

Nevertheless, Wallace’s team owner Denny Hamlin had positive reviews for his driver, after Wallace exhibited early promises. But the recent instances seemed to cloud Hamlin’s mind. While Tyler Reddick has already secured a playoff berth, Wallace straddles in and out of the cutline. 

However, Hamlin does acknowledge the issues within the organization and it needs improvement on certain factors as Wallace faces the worst end of it. He revealed to NASCAR, “They’re running OK. Certainly, would like to see a little more performance and a little more execution on the team’s part.”

“The team has its fair share of growing that they need to do. The drivers, as long as they do their part, then it’s up to us to make sure the team executes. They let him down in some spots, for sure. We all have to get better,” Hamlin affirmed.

Nevertheless, there is still room to be hopeful as Bubba Wallace qualified 8th for the main event on Sunday. With a favorable position to start with the race, it is to be seen whether the racer is able to deliver an impressive result or once again falters on the track. 

Read More: “Certainly Would Like to See a Little More” – Denny Hamlin Snubs Bubba Wallace’s Effort as He Struggles to Stay Motivated