The NASCAR star Bubba Wallace is currently racing under his 23XI team owners, Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan. In a new interview, Wallace is opening up about how Jordan treats him – and it sounds like classic MJ.
Wallace Gets ‘Jabs’ From Jordan
It will likely not come as a surprise to learn that Jordan, 62, treats Wallace, 31, like he would opposing NBA players during his basketball career. Indeed, Jordan is constantly talking trash to Wallace.
But there’s a method to his madness – it’s meant as constructive criticism, while also telling him how he can improve as a racer.
“He’s always just giving you jabs,” Wallace said of Jordan.
Wallace added that the legendary former NBA star is constantly “checking your confidence and making sure it’s in check. And that’s super important. But he’s always going to rag on you about something, so you’ve got to be ready for it.”
Related: Bubba Wallace Posts Picture Of His Garage And NASCAR Fans Couldn’t Stop Laughing
Wallace’s Duel At Daytona Victory
This season, however, Wallace simply hasn’t given Jordan much to criticize. Earlier this month, Wallace won the Duel at Daytona.
“It’s just the beginning,” Wallace said after this victory. “You can get very complacent in life and your professional life, and you can keep doing the same routines over and feel like you’re not moving the needle or getting anywhere, and you are getting the same results. So it’s ultimately how you control your destiny is how you wake up each and every day.”
“If you wake up with, eh, (expletive) mindset, then that’s how it’s going to be,” he continued. “If you show up and put emphasis behind that F-word, then it’s really going to make a difference. You have to roll your sleeves up and deal with all the BS. I was not happy with myself. Every time I looked in the mirror, I wasn’t happy. Physical appearance, mental appearance, it needed to change.”
Wallace is currently fifth in the Cup Series driver points standings. He’s only trailing his fellow NASCAR stars Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Tyler Reddick and Austin Cindric.
When Will Wallace Retire?
Earlier this month, Wallace opened up about how long he would continue to race.
“Easiest answer is as long as you keep getting paid,” Wallace said. “I think there comes to a point where if you feel like your competitiveness starts to fall, then it’s like okay, you need to look yourself in the mirror that next season that comes up and be like this could be your last.”
“I would honestly say I’m not the one to just ride around for a paycheck,” he added. “I still want to be competitive, and so when that opportunity runs out, then that’ll be it for me.”
Full Story: Bubba Wallace Brings Up the ‘R’ Word – ‘That’ll Be It For Me’
It’s safe to say that Wallace won’t be retiring anytime soon. He’s clearly very much enjoying racing under Hamlin and Jordan. Indeed, they seem happy to have him onboard as well.
“From day one Bubba has been an integral part of 23XI,” the team said in a social media post in September of last year. “We’re excited to announce that he has signed a multi-year renewal and will continue to play a key role in helping 23XI grow and succeed. #ForwardTogether.”
It will certainly be interesting to see what Wallace can accomplish under Jordan in the years to come!
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