Bubba Wallace 'pumped' for teammate Tyler Reddick after Kansas win
While he found himself down multiple laps most of the race, Bubba Wallace was happy to see his teammate win at Kansas. For the third time in four NASCAR races and the second straight year at the September Kansas race, the 45 car is in victory lane.
When it comes to the Next Gen car and Kansas, they go together like peanut butter and jelly. 23XI Racing apparently really likes PB&J, too. Bubba Wallace was second in Stage 1 before a flat right rear tire.
To his credit, Wallace didn’t quit. He was happy for his teammate.
“No. I got loose, I got loose about 5 laps before but I realized that was my line and my approach to the exit of Turn 4 then a few laps later it blew out, no indication going into one,” Wallace said of his flat tire. “I was pissed at myself, maybe if I wasn’t as close to the fence maybe I would have got by with less damage. You’re never going to get a flat tire, from blowing a tire when you’re 20th. You’re going to get it when you’re really fast and lights out against the competition. The 5 [Kyle Larson] was kicking our ass for sure but then something happened to them and they weren’t a factor and the 11 [Hamlin] and 45 [Reddick] came out of nowhere.
“Congratulations to Tyler I’m pumped for him for sure. I’m glad he listened to me because I was running him down and he got kinda sketched out that I was close to him trying to help him – he’s a little mental case sometimes, but hey it all works out he got us the dub and proud of him, kept the 45 streak at Kansas in the fall going, so it’s good.”
Bubba Wallace has to bounce back at Bristol
After this race ended, Bubba Wallace found himself 19 points below the cutline. He is going to have some work to do next week at Bristol if he wants to have a chance at making the Round of 12. Of course, a win would be great. However, he will likely have to points race and try to earn stage points and a strong finish.
Once again, we are going to see torn-up tires. While we had plenty today, Bristol has a thing for eating up rubber. Given his history at Bristol, it really won’t be easy for Wallace.
The 23XI Racing driver was more than happy to congratulate his teammate after the Kansas race today. Maybe he’s hoping that he’ll be the one getting congrats in a week from now.
In his Cup Series career, Wallace has one top-10 to his name at the famed short track. If you haven’t paid attention though, the 23 has improved on short tracks dramatically this season. He was P29 at Bristol a year ago, but we might just see that change if he keeps qualifying well. And if he can avoid going multiple laps down.
Bubba Wallace looked like a contender today until that flat. Tyler Reddick went on to win for 23XI Racing and has advanced to the Round of 12. Wallace is going to try his hardest to join him.