Bubba Wallace couldn’t even look at Michael Jordan following Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series performance.
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season continued on Sunday. It was another big week for 23XI Racing. Tyler Reddick, driving the No. 45 car, took home the win at the Autotrader 400. He finished in first place, ahead of Chase Briscoe and Ross Chastain, who finished in second and third place.
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Wallace, who had a disappointing finish at the Daytona 500 – won by Reddick last weekend – was in position for a big finish this weekend. However, he couldn’t get the job done.
Feb 13, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) during NASCAR Cup Series practice at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images© Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(© Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images)
Wallace was in a good position late in the race on Sunday. However, he chose to block a fellow driver, Carson Hocevar, rather than staying in front of his teammate, Reddick, who went along to win the race.
The 23XI Racing driver immediately regretted his move, as it failed to pay off. If he had stayed with Reddick, perhaps he would’ve been pushed to the win.
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Wallace was so disappointed in himself, he couldn’t even look at Michael Jordan.
The 23XI Racing driver had no words for MJ
Jordan was trying to console Wallace following the race. However, Wallace was so frustrated with himself, he couldn’t even look at the 23XI Racing team owner.
“After leading on a restart in overtime, Bubba Wallace got caught up with Carson Hocevar going in to turn one & finished 8th,” Todd Summers shared.
“On pit road afterward team owner Michael Jordan came up behind Bubba to encourage him & Bubba was so disappointed he never even looked at MJ.”
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It’s only been two weeks, but it’s a tough start for Wallace.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the NASCAR section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
