Bubba Wallace rips No. 23 performance despite Stage 1 win at COTA: 'I've got nothing'

While Bubba Wallace was able to stay out at COTA and early the stage win, he is not happy with how his No. 23 Toyota Camry is riding. On one hand, Wallace was able to salvage what might be a lackluster day with the points, but the NASCAR driver wants more from his car.

Bubba Wallace started P2 in this race alongside his teammate Tyler Reddick. However, things started to fall apart during the early laps of the race. Wallace couldn’t hold off attacking drivers and fell back in the pack quickly.

Following the end of the stage, Wallace told his team how his car felt. He’s hoping that he can get the right adjustments for Stage 2.

“Alright I’ve got nothing for rear tires. No lateral, no forward, no backward, no nothing,” Wallace said. His team told him they would make adjustments to give him more grip in the rear.

“Yeah, like, common sense to me is I’m slower than the field, so how the f*** am I using my tires more? And falling backwards?” Wallace said, via Steven Taranto of CBS Sports. “I’m trying to save and I just get so out of rhythm. So, might just need a lot of help. This thing is just dancing all around through the essess. You get off sequence one time and that’s it.”

Bubba Wallace's car not to his liking as he wins Stage 1 on strategy

"I've got nothing for rear tires. No lateral, no forward, no backwards, no nothing."
"Common sense to me is I'm slower than the field, so how the fuck am I using my tires more?"

Team will make an air pressure… pic.twitter.com/QShSAxPowv

— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) March 2, 2025

Bubba Wallace started on front row at COTA

Running behind Tyler Reddick on his hot lap, Bubba Wallace made up for his spin in practice and now 23XI Racing has the front row. Reddick earned the pole with Wallace P2. Everyone in the NASCAR world was focused on Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen, these Toyota drivers reminded folks others were on the track.

This was the second pole for Tyler Reddick at COTA. He won the 2023 race. Bubba Wallace has now improved his qualifying mark at COTA each of the last three years. P23 to P11 to P10 and now P2. Major improvements.

During his career, Reddick has made a name for himself on road courses. He has won at COTA in the past, he has what it takes to do it again. However, with the results from today’s practice and qualifying sessions, I think that whoever wins will have to be perfect.

One mistake on this course and drivers will take advantage. There are too many great road-course racers in the series now. Making a mistake or missing your marks will be costly on Sunday.