Bubba Wallace's now former crew chief Bootie Barker has spoken out after 23XI Racing decided to introduce an unexpected restructure ahead of the 2025 season. Wallace will now see Charles Denike by his side as his crew chief for the upcoming 2025 season.
Barker had commented at the time of the announcement in a press release from the team:
"23XI has been good to me, and I hope I have been as good for 23XI.
"Loyalty is important to me and I will continue to do all I can to help everyone here succeed in my new role. I was fortunate to be a part of the 23XI's inception, and I look forward to being a part of the team's continued journey."
However, whilst speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Barker revealed that he was surprised by the decision to move him away from the role. He explained:
"I won't lie it was a surprise. It was a surprise. I will say this, I talked to Bubba before ... as a crew chief, let's just speak in generalities right now – rarely, does the crew chief get to set his own timetable or decide how he's going to go out. It just doesn't work that way. It's just how it is."
Barker has acted as Wallace's crew chief since 2021 and the pair had celebrated two wins together before the 2024 season, which was plagued with countless difficulties. The pair's poor 2024 season is widely considered to be the reason for the reshuffle within the team, which is co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin.
Wallace, unfortunately, failed to get through to the playoffs in 2024, despite his 23XI Racing teammate Tyler Reddick clinching the regular season win and getting through to the final Championship 4 in Phoenix. Wallace finished the 2024 season in eighteenth position with 878 points. In comparison, Reddick finished in fourth with 5031 points.
Denike will be partnering with Wallace in 2024. Speaking about his new role as Wallace's crew chief, Denike explained in the same press release:
"I am excited for the 2025 season with the No. 23 team and to work with Bubba and all of 23XI Racing beginning in the offseason. Bubba is a proven winner, and I believe we will bring out the best in each other.
"Thank you to Michael, Denny, and Dave for the opportunity to join the 23XI family. They have built an incredible culture at Airspeed. I am a believer that winning is a process... I am looking forward to this next chapter and to be able to contribute to 23XI's growth and journey to winning championships."
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