Bubba Wallace’s Crew Chief Stepping Away From Team in 2025

What’s Happening?

In a shocking announcement, veteran NASCAR Crew Cheif Bootie Barker will step away from his duties for Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 at season’s end. Barker is not leaving the 23XI organization as a whole, however, as he will take on a new role at 23XI Racing headquarters, “Airspeed,” in 2025.

• 23XI is replacing Barker with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Crew Chief Charles Denike. Since being paired with Christian Eckes last season, the two are seven race winners and Truck Series Championship contenders.
• This move feels more like a retirement from Crew Chiefing rather than a bad breakup. But the press release from 23XI states that he “will call his final race with Bubba Wallace and the No. 23 team.” Leaving the door open for the future. However, there is no word as to the reason behind this move. Barker will call the final two races for the No. 23 this season.
• In his 19 years in the NASCAR Cup Series, Bootie Barker only won two races. However, he is highly regarded for his work, and this industry respect earned him a full-time job calling the shots for Bubba Wallace at 23XI in 2022.
• Barker is known as a highlight of the 2023 NASCAR Netflix Series NASCAR: Full Speed. In his limited on-screen time, his personality shined through among a crowded cast of drivers. His appearance culminated in the now well-known NASCAR meme of him saying, “I guess I lied to your ass.”
• With Wallace, Barker won two races, including Wallace and 23XI’s first win at Talladega in 2021. The two also qualified for the NASCAR Playoffs for the first time in 2023. In 2024, despite missing the playoffs, Wallace and Barker improved statistically throughout the season.

In 23XI’s press release, Bubba Wallace said:

“We’ve been together for some special moments, and I’m glad he’s still going to be a part of what we’re building at 23XI. I know this wasn’t an easy decision, but I’m excited to work with Charles and see what we can accomplish together.”

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