Bubba Wallace is approaching the NASCAR Chase with a blend of humor and determination, despite the pressure that comes with competing at this high level. The driver of the No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota team recently reflected on his journey through the 2026 regular season, which culminated in his third consecutive playoff berth. When asked about the key to his success, Wallace quipped, "I just decided to start trying again, that’s all." This lighthearted response belies the challenges he faced throughout the season.
Wallace's 2026 season was a rollercoaster ride, characterized by ups and downs that ultimately led him to secure a spot in the NASCAR playoffs, which kick off on September 6 at the Cook Out Southern 500 in Darlington. He clinched his playoff position by earning four crucial points during the first stage of the regular-season finale at Daytona on August 29, needing only two points to qualify.
Reflecting on his season, Wallace noted, "It was just about executing; we found ourselves (in midseason) at the wrong spot at the wrong time, and it’s just hard to overcome those. We found that if we finally had some green races and clean races, our finishes would follow through. That’s all it is, just stay in the game, keep executing and getting out of there with a good finish." His ability to maintain focus and consistency was key to his performance, especially after a strong start to the season where he finished no lower than 11th in the first five races.
Despite not winning a race during the regular season, Wallace is among six drivers in the Chase who have yet to secure a victory. His near-misses included second-place finishes at New Hampshire and San Diego, and a third-place finish at Michigan. These performances, particularly his strong finishes toward the end of the season, helped him remain above the playoff cutline.
As the playoffs begin, Wallace is optimistic about his chances at Darlington, a track where he has previously excelled, boasting five top-10 finishes in his nine-year Cup career. He was on track for another solid performance at Darlington earlier in the season before an unfortunate incident involving Denny Hamlin and Erik Jones caused him to crash. Wallace stated, "We start at Darlington, a really good track for us. We were fast in the first stage, and then got caught up in somebody else’s mess, so as long as we steer clear and run a clean race, there’s no reason why we can’t win the Southern 500."
Wallace has also taken steps to manage the external pressures of racing, particularly the noise from social media. After feeling overwhelmed by the scrutiny during a slump earlier in the season, he decided to distance himself from online commentary. He explained, "You just get away from all the BS; it’s nice just to be able to focus on your job, and when you’re not doing your job, you focus on your family and trying to be the best husband and father you can be." This renewed focus could be pivotal as he heads into the playoffs, where every race counts significantly toward his championship aspirations.
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