Kevin Harvick expressed serious concerns over Bubba Wallace NASCAR playoff struggle during a recent episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour. The No. 23 Toyota team began the season with strong performances, but recent weeks have seen a sharp decline, leaving the team uncertain about their path forward as the playoffs approach.
Harvick Highlights the Decline in Bubba Wallace’s Performance
Harvick pointed out the rapid drop-off in Wallace’s momentum after a promising start.
I think the thing that’s surprised me about Bubba is just how well they started the season. Like, ‘Oh my gosh, this No. 23 team is going to be on fire,’ and the wheels have just fallen off of the No. 23 car,
Harvick said. He added that Wallace’s speed had been inconsistent, noting issues at Chicago with qualifying and a costly incident involving the No. 48 car that hurt his points tally.
Additionally, Harvick addressed struggles beyond just Wallace’s car.
It’s just been really, really all over the place, for not only the No. 23, but the No. 45. The No. 45 hasn’t done anything that we expected him to do, from a speed standpoint, race standpoint. They’ve been off. We talk about the lawsuit and things like that, but they’ve just been off, compared to where the No. 23 started, and the No. 45 never even had that shining moment yet.
Bubba Wallace’s Precarious Playoff Position
Currently, Wallace clings to the playoffs by only three points above the cut line, a margin liable to disappear quickly. The upcoming races feature several unpredictable tracks that could shift standings dramatically before the Round of 16. One such event is at Dover International Speedway, considered one of Wallace’s stronger tracks, but even there the risk of losing ground looms large.
Challenging Path Forward for Wallace and 23XI Racing
The most straightforward way for Wallace to secure his playoff status would be to win a race. However, victory has eluded him over the past couple of seasons, contributing to missed playoffs and growing disappointment. Expectations this year remain high, and failure to meet them would raise serious questions about his trajectory.
Harvick’s comments also draw attention to Wallace’s teammate, Tyler Reddick, who while having earned the regular season championship in 2024 and reaching the Championship 4, has yet to notch a win in 2025. There is speculation that ongoing legal issues involving NASCAR may be affecting the entire 23XI Racing organization’s performance this season.
Future Prospects and Pressure on Bubba Wallace
As the NASCAR Cup Series moves deeper into the summer season, the spotlight intensifies on Bubba Wallace. His ability to regain form and reach Victory Lane again will be closely watched, as any further setbacks could impact his career and the team‘s playoff hopes. Meanwhile, the competitive dynamics within 23XI Racing and the broader field remain in flux, heightening the urgency for solid results.