Bubba Wallace’s career day at Texas felt all but that following a third-place finish.
The 23XI Racing driver led a career-high 111 laps from the pole and restarted in the lead late twice – with 13 laps to go and with six laps to go – but was bested on the latter restart by eventual winner William Byron in the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400.
Wallace, who entered the Round of 12 seeded last with zero playoff points, was critical of his choices, specifically as it pertained to the choose, post-race.
“Third time, I fooled myself starting on top,” he told NBC Sports. “These guys gave me the right information. No. 14 (Chase Briscoe) was tight and he sent it off in there. Wasn’t going to stick, but that’s what he’s going to do. We’re racing for a win. I just hate it. I should have just kept my line into (Turn) 3 and forced William to get tight.”
Still, while Wallace was pleased with the speed shown all weekend, he put the brunt of the blame squarely on his shoulders.
“Just upset with myself. Really needed a win there, and it was a good showing. I don’t know where that puts us. I don’t really care. But I know what I did, and I choked.”
Wallace earned his second career pole on Saturday and controlled most of the opening stage from the lead before pitting under a late caution, giving up the lead. His 23XI Racing teammate Tyler Reddick wound up winning the stage, while Wallace earned one stage point in 10th. He also earned two stage points in the second frame, finishing ninth while falling back on two tires.
“I feel like I’ve made a massive improvement in […] processing things a little bit better, but when it comes down to crunch time, you have to keep it all in check,” he said. “The best restarter in the game gives it up on a restart. Funny how that works.”
All in all, Wallace leaves Texas two points below the cutline in ninth, three spots ahead of where he entered the day.
“We grinded, come out with a good solid points today. Appreciate everybody’s support and effort, and we’ll go on to Talladega.”
Wallace’s first career win came at Talladega in this race two years ago. He finished 28th there earlier this season after getting caught up in an overtime crash.
