Going into Daytona on Saturday night, the goal was clear for 23XI Racing and NASCAR team owner Denny Hamlin, to get Bubba Wallace to the playoffs. After Daniel Suárez appeared to be unable to find the speed and Ty Gibbs was wrecked out of the race, everything opened up.
Wallace was in a situation at the end of the race where he would make the playoffs as long as a new winner didn’t emerge. Chase Briscoe, Aric Almirola, and others threatened to steal that spot from the 23 team at the last second.
However, Chris Beuscher won. So, Denny Hamlin gets both of his 23XI Racing cars into the playoffs. That makes him one happy team owner.
“Proud team owner,” Hamlin tweeted. “Both cars in the playoffs. Congratulations [Bubba] and [23XI Racing]!”
After the race, Bubba Wallace shared much of the same sentiment. After a lot of struggles and bad races and almost-had-thems – it has all paid off.
“Proud to be locked into the Playoffs. 23XI, third year in, getting both cars in the Playoffs. We’ve gone through a lot of trials and tribulations. So proud of the effort we put in. No matter how much we set ourselves back, we know that we have a kick-ass group and can bounce back from everything.
“My wife puts up with me through the stressful times. I wasn’t myself. Sorry, babe. I was focused trying to get us in and pay for this house that you wanted (laughter).”
A lot to be happy about at 23XI Racing for Denny Hamlin, Wallace, and everyone involved.
Denny Hamlin gets two cars into the playoffs
Amid all of the rumors about 23XI Racing and whether or not they will stay with Toyota, this is a good thing. It shows that the team has drivers capable of competing for playoff spots. It also showed that there are opportunities to have success with the organization.
Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan have been working hard to get this organization up to snuff. Now that MJ has sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, he has more time to invest in his NASCAR team. Who knows where they go from here?
There was a ton of pressure on a lot of drivers and teams on Saturday night. Daytona acts as the best final race ahead of the playoffs. It brings drama, action, and excitement.
With two of his cars locked into the playoffs, Denny Hamlin and his team have taken the next step forward. Getting to this step in year three is a big deal and it shows how hard everyone there works.