Bubba Wallace hated giving the win to Chase Elliott. Not because he disliked Chase — the two had shared mutual respect for years — but because this one was supposed to be his. Wallace had led the most laps, held off veterans and rookies alike, and made bold moves that had fans on their feet. The No. 23 car was dialed in perfectly. Everything felt right.
But in racing, “feeling right” doesn’t always get you the checkered flag.
With five laps to go, a late caution changed everything. On the restart, Bubba got stuck in the middle lane — the no-man’s land of superspeedways — and Chase Elliott, ever the opportunist, surged on the outside line with fresh tires and clean air. Just like that, the lead was gone.
The sting wasn’t about losing. It was about knowing he had it — really had it — and watching it slip away in the final moments. In his post-race interview, Wallace kept it professional, but the frustration simmered behind every word.
“I did everything I could,” he said, jaw tight. “We had a winning car. Just… didn’t shake out.”
Chase came over and gave him a pat on the back. Bubba managed a nod. Respect, sure — but no celebration.
He’ll congratulate Chase, but that doesn’t mean he has to like it.
Racers don’t live for second place. And tonight, Bubba Wallace drove like a winner — even if the record books say otherwise.
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