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Bubba Wallace is the cornerstone of 23XI Racing, having been on the team since its doors opened. Now, the team’s tenure driver faces an uncertain future with 23XI.
On Saturday, Bubba Wallace expressed uneasiness over the fact that 23XI Racing and NASCAR still haven't seen eye-to-eye on the 2025 Charter Agreement. Wallace, who is set to be a free agent at the end of the season, says his contract talks have stalled: https://t.co/eAOrxLetBW
— TobyChristie.com (@TobyChristieCom) September 7, 2024
Rick Ware Racing has seen a massive turnaround this season thanks to full-time driver Justin Haley and support from RFK Racing.
Haley, the driver of No. 51, could remain on the Ford team. However, in this dramatic scenario, if Wallace were to hit the free agent market, RWR would have an option for Wallace.
The team has another chartered entry in the No. 15. A car typically used to rotate drivers such as Cody Ware and Kaz Grala. While it may be difficult for family member Cody Ware to lose his part-time ride, a driver with Wallace’s resume may be too much to pass up.
The money that Wallace brings from Columbia, McDonald’s, and the U.S. Air Force is valuable for any team. If RWR wants to take a major step next year and if Wallace hits the market, this may be the choice to make.
If money were the decision-maker in a team bringing on Wallace, then no driver may be safe.
Daniel Hemric is bringing minimal results to Kaulig Racing and Chevrolet this season in the No. 31. In 2025, A.J. Allmendinger will return to the team in the No. 16 in hopes of helping boost performance.
Keeping with that idea of boosting performance, Wallace may be an option for Kaulig. If Wallace and his sponsors were to hit the free-agent market, it would be Kaulig’s first opportunity to sign a top-tier driver for its Cup Series program.
Furthermore, with Hemric’s poor performance, currently 30th in points, would Kaulig part with Hemric in exchange for a Cup Series winner in Wallace?
Time and time again, Matt Kaulig has shown loyalty to his longtime drivers. In this drastic scenario, Kaulig’s loyalty may be the only thing holding Wallace out.
There are two known seats and one potential open seat left for 2025 free agents. First, Front Row Motorsports bought one of Stewart-Haas Racing’s charters, then lost a driver, and now the team needs a new driver.
Wallace has a history with Ford, and while it wasn’t the best, Ford does not have many options in its developmental ladder to fill this spot. Noah Gragson and Todd Gilliland are the team’s known drivers for 2025.
However, this was not the plan, as planned third driver, veteran driver Michael McDowell, signed with Spire Motorsports for 2025. If the team wants a veteran option and a sponsored driver to replace McDowell, Wallace looks like the right choice.
Unfortunately, FRM’s future may be as up in the air as 23XI, as Bob Jenkins’ team was the only other not to sign the 2025 charter agreement.
A top available spot in 2025 NASCAR free agency, Spire Motorsports, looks like a future contender.
Not only has the team brought on Michael McDowell, Travis Peterson, and Rodney Childers. They have found stellar talent in Carson Hocevar and did some housekeeping by cutting ties with longtime driver Corey Lajoie.
If Wallace were a sudden member of the 2025 free agent class, rumors of Justin Haley and Zane Smith could go by the wayside. Wallace’s sponsorship, plus the allure of working with Childers, could be enough for the sides to work out a deal.
Wallace will benefit from his resume if he hits the free agent market. His resume outpaces any other free agent, so is there a higher-level organization with a winning record available for Bubba?
The only move that would be comparable to Bubba being a free agent that could rattle the market is if RFK Racing expands to a third car.
This car, once a rumor, now has weight, as it appears that sponsor Kroger will head to RFK in 2025. Ryan Preece is the rumored driver of that third car. However, if Wallace were to hit the free agent market, could he overstep the Ford driver?
Bubba would bring more backing to RFK, making RFK one of the most well-supported teams on track. While Wallace compliments Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher well, his history with the team’s former iteration could keep him away from RFK.
Wallace was once a developmental talent for Rousch-Fenway Racing. However, many blame his time at the team for his slow development. His rough tenure ended rather abruptly when the No. 6 Xfinity Series team shut down partway through 2017.
While there is a new guard at RFK, Bubba may have to weigh his history with a winning opportunity at RFK.
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