23XI Racing has set itself up to be competitive for years to come with Corey Heim and Tyler Reddick now under contract for the 2027 season and beyond. Now there is a decision to make on Bubba Wallace’s future.
The driver of the No. 23 car got off to a strong start in 2026. Just months removed from winning the Brickyard 400, Wallace boasted four top-10 finishes and an average finishing position of 8.8 through his first five races.
Related: Insider Sheds Light on How 23XI Racing Handled Corey Heim
He was on track for a career-best season and, in a contract year, making things easy for his team. 23XI had two drivers sitting near the top of the standings through the first five races, making it an easy call to exercise the 2027 option on his deal. However, things have gone downhill since then.
- Bubba Wallace stats (2026): 338 points, six top-10s, one top-5, 89 laps led, 16.571 average starting position, 18.429 average finishing position
Despite Wallace’s recent skid, Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports reported that he “would expect him back” with 23XI Racing next season. However, there has been no indication about a potential contract extension.
In the last six races, per DriverAverages.com, Wallace ranks 29th in average finishing position (22.2). He is in the middle of a four-race stretch where he has finished 20th or worse, totaling just 34 points over the last three points races. It has turned him from a lock to make The Chase into a borderline contender.
Bad luck has been a major issue for the No. 23 team, with the car getting involved in several wrecks caused by others that caused race-altering damage. However, 12 DNFs dating back to last season raises legitimate reasons for concern. Wallace seems like a lock to remain with 23XI Racing in 2027, but it would not be a total surprise if the team starts considering other options as he becomes the third-best driver at 23XI Racing beginning next year.
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