Denny Hamlin Candid About Bubba Wallace’s 2024 Struggles
Bubba Wallace finds himself on the brink as the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs loom. The 23XI Racing driver needed a standout performance at Daytona to secure his spot, but a sixth-place finish left him just short. With one last race before the playoffs, Wallace faces a steep challenge, needing a win to keep his postseason hopes alive.
Team owner Denny Hamlin didn’t hold back when discussing Wallace’s 2024 performance. On his “Actions Detrimental” podcast, Hamlin acknowledged the uphill battle but also praised Wallace’s recent form.
“It’s not sour grapes on my end that the 23 team’s in this spot,” Hamlin said. “But I’m finally seeing what I’ve been hoping for in terms of performance. They’re running well now, and it’s just unfortunate that it’s taken so long to get here. But they’re on it right now.”
Wallace is currently 21 points below the playoff cut line, and Hamlin believes that the biggest challenge in 2024 has been maintaining consistency.
“How well you adapt to different tracks definitely plays a role, but the real test is maintaining that intensity over 36 weeks,” Hamlin explained. “It’s extremely difficult, but that’s what separates the elite drivers. Whether it’s a track you excel at or one that’s more challenging, you have to prepare with the same intensity every single week and give it everything you’ve got.”
Hamlin, who juggles his own responsibilities as a team owner and driver, knows firsthand how difficult it is to stay focused week in and week out.
“It’s incredibly hard to keep that focus, especially when life pulls you in so many different directions,” Hamlin said. “I’m stretched thin with all my commitments, but I always make sure that my primary focus is on my job as a racecar driver. I don’t want to leave anything on the table, especially as my career nears its end. But it’s tough.”
He also pointed out that success isn’t always just about effort—sometimes, it’s about timing and chemistry.
“Sometimes it’s not a lack of effort; it’s just that the pit crew and driver need time to gel, or the crew chief needs more time to build that relationship,” Hamlin added. “You’re also dealing with rule changes and new setups that take time to adapt to. But the best drivers find a way to overcome those obstacles every single week and still deliver strong finishes, even when things go sideways.”
Despite the challenges, Hamlin remains hopeful that Wallace can pull off a big win and secure his place in the playoffs. With the stakes higher than ever, the coming weekend could be a make-or-break moment for Wallace’s 2024 season.
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