The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series is off to an exciting start, and one story stands out: Bubba Wallace, a talented driver for 23XI Racing, is enjoying a remarkable season thanks to the new crew chief, Charles Denike. This change has brought much success early on, and fans are eager to see how it unfolds!
Bubba and Charles: A Winning Team
Charles Denike, who previously had impressive success in the Truck Series, has taken the helm as Wallace’s crew chief this year. The duo’s collaboration began with Denike’s recruitment, which followed a thorough search by 23XI Racing’s competition director, Dave Rogers. Excited about the potential for success, Rogers tracked down Denike after being impressed by his past achievements.
Start of Something New
Wallace’s season kick-off began with a bang! He secured a win in his Daytona qualifying race and landed a front-row start at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Currently, he ranks sixth overall, which is a significant improvement compared to previous seasons. This notable performance reflects not just the change in crew leadership but also Wallace’s determination to perform better throughout the year.
Background of a Champion
Denike’s journey to this pivotal role was fueled by his deep knowledge of racing. Previously, he dedicated nine years of service as an engineer officer in the U.S. Army and then transitioned into the racing world, where he proved his capabilities with multiple wins as an engineer for Christian Eckes in the Truck Series.
After years of underwhelming starts in seasons past, Wallace is hopeful this new partnership can turn things around. He has expressed confidence in the change, describing it as refreshing and welcoming Denike’s innovative ideas with open arms.
A Strong Start for Wallace
- Wallace’s Daytona qualifying win is a promising sign for his future races.
- He has already surpassed his three-race standing average from the prior seasons.
- Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing’s co-owner, believes Denike brings a game-changing mentality to the team.
- The focus now shifts toward consistent top-five finishes to secure a playoff spot.
The Road Ahead
Bubba Wallace recognizes the challenges that come with racing in the Cup Series. He noted that it’s crucial for him to seize every opportunity. If the early races are any indication, fans might just see Wallace thrive this season and hold strong hopes for a playoff run.
Upcoming Races and Viewership
The race schedule is buzzing, with the upcoming Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix promising to be one of the highlights. Fans can catch the race and cheer for Wallace this Sunday! Here’s what you need to know:
| Session | Date | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| Practice | Saturday, March 8 | 2:05 PM ET |
| Qualifying | Saturday, March 8 | 3:10 PM ET |
| Race | Sunday, March 9 | 3:30 PM ET |
Fans can watch all the excitement unfold live on FOX television, with practice and qualifying streaming on Amazon Prime Video. This event marks the 56th Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway, adding to its storied history in NASCAR.
Racers in Focus
As the competition heats up, drivers like Wallace will be keeping an eye on their main contenders. With the perfect blend of skill and strategy, it will be intriguing to see how this new partnership continues to flourish throughout the season. Will this collaboration bring Bubba Wallace to new heights? Only time will tell—but the starting signs are certainly looking bright!
