Bubba Wallace’s bid for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs came to a dramatic end at the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday. His wife was feeling the pain.
Wallace started with high hopes from the pole position but couldn’t maintain the pace needed to secure a playoff spot.
Despite leading 37 laps, a series of unfortunate events, including involvement in a late-race caution, significantly hampered his chances.
The crash not only damaged his car but also his position on the track, pushing him back into the field where he ultimately finished 16th.
This result left Wallace 27 points shy of the playoff cutline, a deficit that was too steep to overcome, especially with Chase Briscoe clinching the final playoff spot by winning the race outright.
Bubba Wallace’s Wife Reveals Her Heartbreak
Basketball great Michael Jordan, also the owner of 23XI Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, offered some advice to Bubba prior to the key race.
“Things you want more cost more,” he said.
And while he had probably hoped that would motivate his driver to succeed and make the playoffs, it applies equally when you’ve lost the thing you want.
Bubba Wallace’s wife, Amanda, took to social media to express not just her love and support for her husband, but just how heartbreaking the loss was.
She shared an Instagram story with an image of her husband, head in hands following the race, visibly distraught.
“Really tough night, really proud of my husband, been a hard-fought regular season, will still be hunting for wins this year, but this just hurts,” she wrote.
‘Hates’ That He Didn’t Make The Playoffs
It wasn’t just Amanda Wallace who was emotional following her husband’s failure to secure a playoff spot. Bubba himself lamented the situation, indicating he ‘hates’ how things worked out.
Though, he adds, it wasn’t for lack of effort on his team’s part.
“It’s unfortunate. I hate it for our guys. Hats off to the 14 (Chase Briscoe). I thought I did something yesterday, they one-upped us and showed up when it was game time so that’s pretty badass so congrats to them,” he said.
“Man, just wasn’t good enough for 16th (final playoff position) this year. I hate that. It stinks saying that, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort for all of us on the 23 car.”
Jordan also expressed disappointment but credited Wallace for the effort.
“Bubba fought all night, he got caught in the wreck,” he said in an interview after the race. “He put up a great effort. I am proud of the team.”
Despite the setback, Wallace has had a decent season with five Top 5 finishes and ten Top 10 finishes. Now Bubba and his wife can turn to more important things off the track.
They are expecting their first baby in October.
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