Bubba Wallace's Indy 500 remark is music to Michael Jordan's ears
Bubba Wallace shuts down any talk of racing the Indy 500, saying he's fully committed to NASCAR and 23XI Racing: "I'm good where I'm at."
Bubba Wallace has made it clear: he has no interest in attempting the grueling "Memorial Day Double" — competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
This decision showed his unwavering commitment to NASCAR and his role with 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan.
Speaking at North Wilkesboro Speedway ahead of the NASCAR All-Star Race, Wallace addressed the idea of following in Kyle Larson's footsteps, who is set to attempt the Double. Wallace recounted a recent exchange with his friend, IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin.
“I told him it looked easy,” Wallace said, referring to watching McLaughlin drive an Indy car. “Obviously, I was kidding.”
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When pressed on whether he would consider taking on the challenge himself, Wallace was unequivocal: “He knows my road course expertise isn’t that good, and I damn sure ain’t getting in one of those [an Indy car] on an oval, so I’m good where I’m at.”
Wallace's firm stance highlights his dedication to his current path in NASCAR. Driving the No. 23 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing, Wallace has been a central figure in the team's efforts since its inception in 2020. His focus remains on achieving success within the NASCAR Cup Series, a commitment that aligns with the team's goals and the vision of its co-owner, Michael Jordan.
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Jordan's involvement in NASCAR has been marked by a hands-on approach. Wallace has previously shared insights into Jordan's active participation, noting that he receives messages from Jordan every race weekend: “One of the first texts I get every Sunday, whether pre-race or postrace, is from MJ, each and every weekend. He's always watching, no matter where he's at in the world, and I think that's really cool.”
This level of engagement from Jordan reinforces the importance of Wallace's role within the team and the shared commitment to excellence.
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While Wallace has no plans to venture into IndyCar racing, he expressed support for those who do. He acknowledged the challenges of the Double and praised Kyle Larson's endeavor: “I definitely will be paying attention; it's cool to see. You want to have some skin in the game, you feel like. You want to see how Larson is doing because that stuff is wild. I think there's no better person that could represent our sport in running The Double right now than [Larson].”
Bubba Wallace’s decision to stick with NASCAR shows how focused he is on improving as a driver and helping his team, 23XI Racing, succeed. As the team continues to grow, his commitment is a key part of what they're building.
While some drivers try racing in other series, Wallace is staying all-in on NASCAR. His focus and drive to win for his team make him stand out in today’s racing world.
