Bubba Wallace sends message after NASCAR Cup Series playoff elimination

Sunday wasn’t exactly the way Bubba Wallace envisioned celebrating his 30th birthday. The NASCAR Cup Series driver hoped he’d be enjoying a spot in the Round of 8 this weekend. Instead, his push for a championship came up short.

Wallace finished 16th at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course on Sunday, not a strong enough run to earn a spot in the Round of 8. That means the driver will have to wait another year to try and win a Cup Series title.

Following the disappointing run Sunday, Wallace released a statement on X.

“I’m a big believer in everything happens for a reason,” Wallace wrote. “Bummed, but I accept that it just wasn’t meant to be. Being at peace with the trials and tribulations is a weird thing. 30 … is that you? Appreciate the bday love and the continued support. Y’all be safe.”

I’m a big believer in everything happens for a reason. Bummed, but I accept that it just wasn’t meant to be. Being at peace with the trials and tribulations is a weird thing. 30…is that you?

Appreciate the bday love and the continued support.

Y’all be safe 🤘🏾

— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) October 9, 2023

Wallace had a shot to earn one of the top eight spots and advance — an impressive feat considering he hadn’t won a race all season. He did post eight finishes inside the top-10 in his 32 starts.

Wallace comments on elimination from NASCAR playoff

Heading into Sunday’s race at Charlotte, Wallace put himself in a solid position to get the job done. He qualified fourth for the event, a great starting spot. But things just didn’t work out.

After the race, Wallace reflected on the race and the season.

“Texas. That’s what I thought about after we got spun there,” Wallace said to NBC after the race. “You know this weekend was incredible. Just from the effort, from the team, from myself it’s just all clicking, right? It felt really good to be competitive and run up front and pass cars on road courses and not be passed, there’s a lot to look at. But what I analyze is, what could I have done to not be in that situation? Could I have been faster around another car, gotta be better to not put yourself where you’re racing around there with squirrels.

“Is what it is. Just didn’t have enough and it wasn’t in the cards and I guess that’s what 30 is. I’m not mad, I’m happy for the team, I’m pumped for our season, it’s not over with yet. I’m really excited for next week and Homestead, Martinsville – Phoenix? Eh. I might just go on vacation then. We still got four races to go out and do it. So, proud of the team, I appreciate that.”