Bubba Wallace opens up about emotions of making the NASCAR playoffs for first time

Bubba Wallace is bound for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series playoffs for the first time in his career.

The 29-year-old Wallace secured the final spot in the playoffs Saturday night at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Wallace’s 12th finish in the race, along with a repeat winner in Chris Buescher, allowed Wallace and his No. 23 Toyota to snag the last spot in the playoff field of 16 racers.

The other 15 spots had been secured heading into the race. Wallace had entered the race in 16th place.

“I’m just mentally exhausted,” Wallace said after the race. “Maybe tomorrow I’ll wake up crying, I don’t know. My wife was crying. Amanda was crying so she was crying for me. But just proud of the team. Having that weight off your shoulders just allows you to breathe. So that’s what I’m focused on. Taking a deep breath and getting ready to go back to work Monday.”

Wallace has had a very good season on the track. He has four top-five finishes and two more finishes in the top 10. His top-five finishes came at the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway, the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway and the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

His best season prior to 2023 was last year when he finished in 19th place.

Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing team owner, was on hand to watch Wallace make the playoffs and the two shared a moment after the race.

The NASCAR Spring Cup Series playoffs features 10 races over the next 10 weeks culminating in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona.

The Round of 16 will take place the next three weeks with the first race kicking off next week at Darlington Raceway with the Cook Out Southern 500.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Playoff field featuring Bubba Wallace

1. William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports
2. Martin Truex Jr., Joe Gibbs Racing
3. Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing
4. Chris Buescher, RFK Racing
5. Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing
6. Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports
7. Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing
8. Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing
9. Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing
10. Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing
11. Joey Logano, Team Penske
12. Ryan Blaney, Team Penske
13. Michael McDowell, Front Row Motorsports
14. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., JTG Daugherty Racing
15. Kevin Harvick, Stewart-Haas Racing
16. Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing