Stephanie Amador / USA TODAY NETWORK

Kevin Harvick reveals the 'benchmark' for Bubba Wallace ahead of Kansas Cup race

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Justin P Joy | Last updated 5/3/24

Bubba Wallace came into the 2024 season with the hopes of ending his winless streak and secure the playoff early with the win. But after a strong start, he has now found himself out of the top-16 in points table after back-to-back DNFs at Talladega and Dover. He is going to Kansas this week with the hopes of redemption.

While talking about how the race might playout for the No:23 Toyota Camry driver, 2014 Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick has asserted that Kansas 2022 win is the benchmark for the team going into the race this Sunday. He deems it as a good thing for Bubba Wallace and he also highlighted the flashes of speed he has shown so far.

They’re looking to this race as a benchmark. Where are we at as a 23 team. That’s the good thing for Bubba. You’ve seen the flashes of speed and brilliance that team is capable of.
Kevin Harvick said via Happy Hour podcast.

Wallace secured his second Cup race win at Kansas in 2022 and it was a statement win for him, as his first win was at Talladega came due to a rain-stoppage. The track was also the first one he has secured a pole at. 23XI Racing has won three of the four races the track hosted in the Next-Gen era and that gives them an advantage going into this week.

Bubba Wallace is hopeful going into this weekend

Unlike his normal self, Wallace seemed very matured on his post DNF interview at Dover. He instantly got over the disappointment and pointed out that he is looking forward to get the season back together this Sunday at Kansas.

But we had to grind. Proud of the effort we put in every week, just unfortunate with no results to show for it. We’ll just go on to Kansas where hopefully we’re not around any squirrels and go kick their ass. Bubba Wallace said.

23XI Racing, alongside JGR and HMS would be the teams t beat going into this weekend. Barring the crashes Wallace has been running strong the whole season, if he is able to race cleaner and execute well, he can easily be in contention for the victory the whole race.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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