Another piece of the NASCAR Silly Season puzzle has dropped into place with another contract extension.
23XL Racing has signed driver Bubba Wallace to what they are calling a multi year extension: but have not revealed just how many years is in the contract.
Since Tyler Reddick announced his signing to 23 XL for the 2024 season, there has been a great deal of speculation about what the future of the NBA legend Michael Jordan and Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin owned team would look like in the coming seasons.
With 23XL driver Kurt Busch out on concussion protocols, that speculation has only increased.
After the extension keeping Bubba Wallace in the 23 car for the foreseeable future, at least there is a bit of security surrounding the team.
Wallace who has finished the past four races in the top 10 in his second season with 23XL spoke on the new contract saying, “ this is super cool, and I’ve felt right at home from day one. So it’s nice to continue the relationship, continue the partnerships with our sponsors, and keep moving forward. So thankful for the opportunity, for sure. I feel like this has been my best year yet in the. Up Series, and we’re continuing to make strides and get better and better. So I’ve definitely enjoyed the time and glad that we can keep going.”
Noting that he is focusing on his Cup racing and not running in other formats Wallace added, “these guys made a commitment to me, and I made a commitment to them that this is where it all is put together. You know, I want to make this a super long term deal. I’d love to retire here – hopefully retirement’s not until like 10, 15 years down the road – but that was my goal from day one.”
Wallace earned his first career win…and the first win for 23XL…last season at Talladega and this past weekend at Michigan International Speedway, he put the number 23 car on the pole and finished second behind Kevin Harvick.
In a post race interview in Michigan a very emotional Wallace felt like he had let everybody on the team down.
The Camping World Truck and Cup Series drivers travel too Richmond Raceway this weekend for a little short track racing. But before all the racing excitement begins Bubba Wallace held Bubba’s Block Party at the track on Thursday where fans could see pit stop demonstrations, iracing, local food trucks, and live music from a number of artists including Wale, DJ Domo, Rob V, and the Virginia State University Trojan Explosion Marching Band in a free event open to the public. Bubba was also on hand to sign autographs and pose for photos. Bubba, and NASCAR Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Brandon Thompson also hosted a “fireside chat”.