Earlier today, 23XI Racing announced a personnel change on the 23 team. Current crew chief Bootie Barker will be moving up in the organization as a leader in the competition group.
Beginning next season, Charles Denike will take over the crew chief duties for Bubba Wallace on the 23 car.
Denike is currently serving as the crew chief for the number 19 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing truck driven by Christian Eckes.
Speaking via a team release Barker said, “23XI has been good to me, and I hope I have been as good for 23XI. Loyalty is important to me and I will continue to do all I can in my new role to help everyone here succeed. I was fortunate to be a part of 23XI’s inception, and I look forward to being a part of the team’s continued journey.”
Barker has two Cup Series wins with Wallace behind the wheel – once in the 23 car and again in the 45 car.
23Xi director of competition Dave Rogers spoke via a release saying, “since joining 23XI, Bootie has provided Bubba and the number 23 crew with the leadership and confidence they needed to grow into the team they are today,” Dave Rogers, 23XI director of competition. As we began to look ahead to next season, we decided that Bootie’s experience would best serve the organization in a different role based at Airspeed. His input will continue to be an asset to our teams. We’re excited to welcome Charles to the organization and look forward to getting started with him at the end of the season. He will be a terrific addition to the number 23 team and 23XI as we continue to work to be better.”
Driver of the 23 car Bubba Wallace added, “Bootie has meant a lot to me and the number 23 team,” Wallace. We’ve been together for some special moments, and I’m glad he’s still going to be a part of what we’re building at 23XI. I’m excited to work with Charles and see what we can accomplish together.”
Denike spoke on joining the 23 team and 23XI Racing saying, “I am excited for the 2025 season with the number 23 team and to work with Bubba and all of 23XI Racing beginning in the offseason. Bubba is a proven winner, and I believe we will bring out the best in each other. Thank you to Michael (Wheeler, Sr. Director, Planning & Operations), Denny, and Dave for the opportunity to join the 23XI family. They have built an incredible culture at Airspeed. I am a believer that winning is a process. When you step foot into Airspeed, you see the tools and resources that it takes to win and are surrounded by people with the same vision and mindset. I am looking forward to this next chapter and to be able to contribute to 23XI’s growth and journey to winning championships.”
Before coming to NASCAR, Denike spent nine years in the United States Army.