Bubba Wallace Eyes Improvement After Strong Season Opener

Bubba Wallace commenced the 2025 NASCAR season with a solid fifth-place finish at Bowman Gray, marking his debut under new crew chief Charles Denike. While pleased with the result, Wallace characterized the car's performance as merely "average," highlighting areas that require improvement before the crucial Daytona race. The early communication between Wallace and Denike has been encouraging, with both acknowledging the importance of refinement and teamwork to maximize their potential this season.

Denny Hamlin, the co-owner of 23XI Racing, has high hopes for Wallace’s performance, expressing optimism following Denike's appointment. Despite a history of challenges between them, Hamlin views Denike as a potential "game-changer," pointing to their solid showing in the exhibition race. He underscores the significance of the developing chemistry between Wallace and Denike, as both aim for greater consistency and improved results in what promises to be an intense racing season. With Denike's structured approach and disciplined background, there is reason to believe that Wallace could achieve a breakthrough this year.