If an NFL coach misses the playoffs, their possibilities of getting a contract extension a pair weeks later are seemingly very slim.
That is not the case for NASCAR Cup Sequence driver Bubba Wallace, who regardless of lacking the 2024 NASCAR Cup Sequence playoffs, acquired a contract extension from 23XI Racing on Wednesday that he is greater than deserving of.
To the bare eye, lacking the postseason for the third time in 4 seasons with 23XI Racing could not look like grounds for a multiyear extension, however it takes a deeper dive to see why Wallace was tapped to proceed driving the No. 23 automobile.
Wallace could have missed the NASCAR postseason, however it wasn’t resulting from a poor season or a late collapse. In truth, Wallace scored 5 top-10 finishes over the past eight races of the common season, and was twelfth in factors after 26 occasions.
Whereas it is the highest 16 drivers that make the Cup Sequence playoffs, wins from drivers under Wallace — particularly Daniel Suarez, Austin Cindric, Chase Briscoe and Harrison Burton — pushed Wallace, together with fellow bubble driver Chris Buescher, out of the playoff image.
A scarcity of a playoff berth, nevertheless, would not take away from the truth that Wallace is within the midst of the very best season of his Cup Sequence profession. The Cell, Alabama, native has already tied his career-best in each top-five and top-10 finishes, and a win from Wallace over the ultimate eight weeks would not be stunning.
2024 has seen the No. 23 staff take the step from occasional contender to frequent contender, and Wallace has persistently run within the top-five and top-10 greater than he is performed in any season prior.
The stat sheet and the attention check all level to the contract extension being a win for each Wallace and 23XI, and 2025 has the potential to be the breakout season for each events.
With eight races remaining within the 2024 season, Wallace and the No. 23 staff are attempting to complete out their strongest season but, in addition to looking for victory lane for the primary time 2022.
