Coming into the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Season, 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin expressed confidence in Bubba Wallace following his strong performance to close out the 2022 campaign, which included eight top-10 finishes (four in the top five) and a win at Kansas, admitting that he expected his driver to build off last year's momentum and make his first career appearance in the playoffs.

This season has been a rollercoaster ride for the No. 23 driver but it did include the best stretch of his career, as the 29-year-old recorded four consecutive top-five finishes, including a runner-up result at North Wilkesboro in the All-Star Race. He rocketed up the points standings to above the playoff cutoff line.

However, in the last month, the driver has stumbled with just two finishes inside the top 20. This week, after Wallace finished 25th at Atlanta, Hamlin talked about the fast-approaching playoffs on his podcast, and who he thought would make it into the postseason. His driver was notably absent.

Video Credits:
NASCAR
NASCAR.com
Fox Sports
NBC Sports

Audio Credits:
Actions Detrimental Podcast

Photo Credits:
Getty Images

Click to check out some of the latest NASCAR merch!
https://nascar.evyy.net/7m4dMd

This video contains affiliate links. If you click on one of them, I'll receive a small commission.