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Bubba Wallace breaks down 'slingshot engaged' move passing Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson for lead

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones08/18/24

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Bubba Wallace (5)
Aug 18, 2024; Brooklyn, Michigan, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) leads the race during the FireKeepers 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Bubba Wallace had a strong start to the Firekeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway as he was the leader during the final laps of Stage 1. During a rain delay, Wallace explained the big move he made to take the lead from Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson on Sunday.

“I know what they were trying to do. They were trying to just position themselves who was ahead by the entry of the corner,” Wallace said. All in all, it looked good. Appreciate the lead there, I’m watching it right now. Slingshot engaged right there.”

Wallace didn’t win the stage but finished in the top 10, which is big because he earned additional playoff points. Wallace currently has the final spot in the playoffs, so he’ll take all the points he can get. He will look to win the race when it continues on Monday morning.

Based on the way Wallace has raced in the last three weeks, it’s not a big surprise to see him in the top 10 of the Michigan Cup Series race. The 30-year-old driver finished 10th at Pocono, fifth at Indianapolis and fourth at Richmond. Wallace is looking to reach the playoffs for the second consecutive year and win his first Cup Series title.

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Bubba Wallace sounds off on Austin Dillon after Richmond Race

Wallace’s racing has been overlooked beccause of Austin Dillon wrecking Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin last week to win the Richmond race. The move motivated Wallace not to congratulate Dillon when the race was over.

“Whatever it takes to win, I guess,” Wallace said, regarding his thoughts on Dillon’s last-lap decisions, which shook-up Wallace’s position in the playoffs, via Peter Stratta of ABC45 WXLV. “We’re in, but I mean, hey, he deserved it fair and square. That’s the hard thing. I was ready to man up, go shake his hand, congrats. Can’t do that now. That was kind of BS. It is what it is. We’ve got to worry about our own races for the next three weeks.

“Proud of this team for fighting and executing all day. Wasn’t our best day, for sure, but all in all, we ended up on the good side. Shows how tough the Cup Series is. Ross [Chastain] finished right on my bumper, so it’s going to be a dog fight.”