Bubba Wallace, the only full‑time driver for 23XI Racing, heads into the NASCAR playoffs with the knowledge that his team has already proven its ability to compete at the highest level.
Since its inception in 2021, the organization co‑owned by basketball icon Michael Jordan and veteran Denny Hamlin has quickly risen from a newcomer to a contender, collecting victories with Tyler Reddick and Corey Heim that showcase its growing pedigree.
Wallace, who entered the postseason without a regular‑season win, earned his spot through the team’s overall success, and he repeatedly credits Jordan’s relentless standards, saying that everything the Hall of Famer touches turns to gold.
The surge in performance has raised the bar for the drivers, who now must sustain strong results to meet the heightened expectations that accompany a team positioned as a legitimate championship threat.
The opening battle of the playoffs arrives at Darlington Raceway for the Cook Out Southern 500, a race notorious for its abrasive surface and demanding corners that will test both car setup and driver resolve.
Championship aspirations
Wallace says his focus is on delivering consistent, strong performances, knowing that each race will be a crucible for the team’s pursuit of a championship, and that the standards set by Jordan will continue to drive the effort.