Kevin Harvick addresses the dynamic at 23XI with Bubba Wallace ahead of Darlington
Bubba Wallace is in win-now mode, and Kevin Harvick believes his team is doing everything it can to get to the playoffs. On Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, Harvick revealed the dynamic at 23XI Racing and Wallace ahead of the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.
“I think since the break it’s been that way. I think they’ve been focused on that 23 car,” Harvick said. “Really, it doesn’t change a lot except for those things we talk about that might be questionable and being able to really put that last bit of effort into everything that you have going on. You hope that you don’t have to do it at this point, but they’re in a position where they got to do it and they got to do whatever they have to do.
“From the driver’s standpoint, you prepare just like you would have prepared and you’re laser-focused on doing everything that you can do to put yourself in a position. He knows his cars have been fast and he should have the confidence to know that he can go out there and compete to put himself in a position to be competitive and see where it all falls. It’s an interesting scenario, but it’ll be all hands on deck to do what they have to do.”
Bubba Wallace reveals inspiring message from Micahel Jordan
Wallace is 21 points behind Chris Buescher for the final playoff spot. His best option to be part of the Playoff 16 is getting a win at Darlington. That will be challenging, but Wallace has driven well at Darlington recently, finishing in the top 10 in his last three races.
23XI Racing is co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan. On the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Wallace revaled the message he received from Jordan as he looks to clinch a playoff spot.
“I had [Michael Jordan] text me and he said, ‘Things you want more cost more,’” Wallace revealed. “All day yesterday and all day, in the middle of the night, I’m telling myself you’ve just got to go out there and have the best race you’ve ever had of your life. It’s just showing up, me doing all that I can. Take out the outside factors. That’s how I’m approaching it. I woke up in a much better mood this morning.”