Bubba Wallace has begun the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season on the right foot. The driver of the No. 23 has posted three top-10 finishes in the first four races and currently sits third in the points standings.
While the talk of 23XI Racing has been Tyler Reddick’s unprecedented three straight wins to kick off the year, Wallace’s results can’t be overlooked.
The Alabama native hasn’t made it to victory lane yet, but has been on the brink of having a breakout performance through the first four races.
Bubba Wallace’s impressive start to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season
Despite the fact that he’s been unable to win a race so far, Bubba Wallace has been a points machine.
Wallace finished 10th in the Daytona 500, eighth at EchoPark Speedway, 11th at Circuit of The Americas, and sixth at Phoenix. The 32-year-old has notched an average finish of 8.8, the second-best among full-time drivers.
On top of the points from three top-10 finishes, Wallace leads the Cup Series with the most stage points, totaling 40.
The three-time Cup Series winner has posted two stage wins, one in the Daytona 500 and one at EchoPark Speedway, which garnered a combined 20 stage points.
In addition, Wallace finished second in the opening stage at EchoPark Speedway before winning the second stage, totaled five points in stage two at COTA, and earned six points in stage two at Phoenix.
The strong start to 2026 for Wallace is a contrast from the way he started last year. After four races in 2026, Wallace only mustered one top-10 finish and had two finishes outside the top 25.
Wallace sat 12th in the points standings after four races in 2026. This year, he holds the third position. While he’s yet to win a race like his 23XI counterpart, Wallace is off to a strong start in 2026.
Bubba Wallace on Tyler Reddick’s success: ‘I wish it was our team’
Although Bubba Wallace’s start to 2026 has been impressive, it hasn’t matched the start of teammate Tyler Reddick.
Wallace was quoted in the Associated Press speaking highly of his teammate for his early-season success. However, last year’s Brickyard 400 winner couldn’t hide that he wishes it was him.
“You know, Tyler’s been driving his (butt) off, simple as that, I couldn’t be more proud of him and the way he’s turned around from his (winless) season from last year. It’s been pretty cool to witness that. I wish it was our team,” Wallace said.
In turn, Reddick can relate to Wallace as he recalled being on other teams and not being the one winning as much.
“I’ve experienced it other places that I’ve raced and feel like I contended to win, didn’t win and teammates did, so I understand where he probably would be with that part of it. I think he’s doing a good job of remaining positive and it’s a good start to the year for him,” Reddick said.
Wallace and Reddick’s team, 23XI Racing is amid its sixth full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, has won 12 Cup races.
NASCAR Cup Series: Bubba Wallace off to Strong Start in 2026