Bubba Wallace has had a troublesome begin to 2026.
The 23XI Racing driver is at the moment in twelfth place within the Cup Collection standings. His teammate, Tyler Reddick, is in first place. Reddick, driving the No. 45 automotive to Wallace’s No. 23, has 5 wins in 10 begins. He has extra wins than the remainder of the drivers within the prime 5 mixed.
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Wallace, in the meantime, has only one prime 5 end. He has 5 prime 10 finishes, although he is struggled to get it finished when it issues most. He is hoping that’ll change shifting ahead.
Feb 11, 2026; Daytona Seaside, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Bubba Wallace (23) throughout follow for the Daytona 500 at Daytona Worldwide Speedway. Necessary Credit score: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Photos© Mike Dinovo-Imagn Photos
Amid his up-and-down 2026 season, Wallace spoke with The Athletic. Throughout his 12-question interview, Wallace sounded off on his largest “annoyance” with the game of NASCAR in 2026.
Wallace pinpointed his subject with quick tracks.
23XI Racing driver sounds off on his largest annoyance
The Athletic requested Wallace: “What’s the pettiest factor that annoys you throughout a race weekend?”
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Wallace shortly responded.
“What’s annoying is the mad sprint at quick tracks when it’s select time (on the lap earlier than the race resumes, drivers choose a lane to decide on the place to restart the race). At Martinsville, we’re dashing to get all of the automobiles by way of. Why not do two laps to go? Bristol, similar factor. Why are we dashing?”
“After which the select cone being so near the beginning/end line at street programs — COTA, Sonoma — there are completely different straightaways we may use. We wait till the final little bit, and that’s it.”
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Wallace did not cease there, both.
“Yeah, like after we’ve needed to restart within the again, I’m in third gear, fourth gear going into (Flip) 3 simply making an attempt to catch up.”
The Athletic, for what it is value, appeared to agree.
“You’re proper, as a result of from the press field, you’ll see the primary few guys type of take their time, after which impulsively everyone’s dashing up, dashing to catch the again of the sector, after which it’s going inexperienced,” Jeff Gluck responded.
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Is that this one thing NASCAR ought to take into account altering?
This story was initially printed by on Might 1, 2026, the place it first appeared within the part. Add The Spun as a
