Bubba Wallace, driver of 23XI Racing’s No. 23 Toyota, recently revealed an intriguing qualifying pact with Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen and IndyCar star Scott McLaughlin ahead of the highly anticipated Chicago Street Race.

Bubba Wallace, driver of 23XI Racing’s No. 23 Toyota, recently revealed an intriguing qualifying pact with Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen and IndyCar star Scott McLaughlin ahead of the highly anticipated Chicago Street Race. Recognizing the unique challenges posed by NASCAR’s road course-style street race, the trio agreed to collaborate during qualifying to enhance their starting positions. This alliance leverages their combined expertise—van Gisbergen’s mastery of street circuits, McLaughlin’s extensive IndyCar road racing experience, and Wallace’s determination to improve in 2025.

For Wallace, the pact represents a strategic move to overcome a season marked by inconsistency and elevate his performance against some of NASCAR’s strongest competitors. Working together allows the drivers to share insights on track conditions, optimal racing lines, and qualifying tactics that can shave crucial seconds off their lap times. The partnership exemplifies the increasing trend of cross-series collaboration in NASCAR, especially as the sport embraces more street course events that differ significantly from traditional oval racing.

By joining forces, Wallace aims to secure a better qualifying position, which is vital for his playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, van Gisbergen and McLaughlin benefit from mutual support, potentially improving their own race prospects. This qualifying pact not only underscores the evolving strategies in NASCAR but also highlights the importance of adaptability and teamwork in the sport’s expanding road course era.