[autotag]Bubba Wallace[/autotag] left the 2024 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with several reasons to be optimistic about his playoff chances. Entering the day, Wallace trailed Ross Chastain by 27 points for the final playoff spot. However, the 23XI Racing driver now has a seven-point deficit to Ross Chastain after a top-5 finish and winning Stage 2.
Following the event, Wallace spoke about his great points day at the 2024 Brickyard 400 and the entire weekend. The driver of the No. 23 car was honest about the ability to pass but was happy to have a fast vehicle in Indianapolis.
“We were fifth – what a day,” Wallace said. “I just did not do a good job on Friday and Saturday and set us behind for track position. I really didn’t know what our car had, but I knew the people we had on it and that is what matters the most. I appreciate [crew chief Bootie Barker] and the gang for just giving me a car to work with.”
That's 10 stage points and a playoff point, which he'll get IF he makes the playoffs, for Bubba Wallace. 👀
📺 : NBC pic.twitter.com/2wzre9Apyf
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) July 21, 2024
“The No. 23 U.S. Air Force Toyota Camry was really, really fast. It felt really good. After a few laps, I was like, I don’t know what we have – but it is good to be back on the oval. The finish is making my mood better, but it was really difficult to pass. All-in-all, a good day. A good points day.”
Wallace is also 17 points behind Chris Buescher for a playoff spot, so there is no need to win a race for now. The 23XI Racing driver can make the 2024 NASCAR playoffs on points alone, and his performances over the last three weeks have put him in this position. Wallace has clawed himself back into the conversation, and the pressure is on Chastain and Buescher to hold him off.
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