23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace didn’t hold back when discussing NASCAR’s recent changes to the Damaged Vehicle Policy (DVP) rule, calling the adjustments “BS” and predicting that the rule will be updated again soon. The new DVP regulation, implemented just before the Talladega race weekend, has stirred frustration among drivers and teams across the NASCAR Cup Series.
The revised rule allows drivers with flat tires to fix their cars and return to the track, a shift from the previous rule that would have seen them eliminated from the race. This sudden change didn’t sit well with many in the garage, particularly for teams and drivers whose seasons were heavily impacted by crashes and the old DVP regulations. Notably, Chase Elliott and other drivers have been outspoken in their criticism, feeling the rule change came too late for those already burned by it earlier in the season.
When asked about the new rule, Wallace was blunt, stating, “That bullsh*t will change again.” His frustration reflects the broader sentiment within the NASCAR garage, where many feel the timing and execution of the rule change are problematic. Wallace suggested that it doesn’t matter whether the changes are fair or unfair, indicating a broader dissatisfaction with the decision-making process.
“Bullsh*t, it’ll change again. Who knows?… It don’t matter what’s right or wrong or fair or not fair,” Wallace remarked.
The 23XI Racing driver also faces added personal responsibilities, as he recently became a father for the first time. This milestone has affected his preparation for the upcoming race at the reconfigured Charlotte Roval. Wallace admitted that the birth of his son limited his time in the simulator, a critical tool for familiarizing himself with the track’s changes. He acknowledged the challenge of balancing fatherhood and race preparation, stating he will have to rely heavily on practice sessions to get up to speed.
“I hate it for my team, because having a son right around the time of a track change, I haven’t been able to put in as much time as I wanted to on the sim,” Wallace said. “We’ll figure it out today here in about 20 minutes. But I look forward to it.”
The reconfiguration of the Charlotte Roval, with new track features like turtle curbing and changes to the chicane, will further test Wallace, who has historically struggled with road courses. As he juggles limited preparation and the demands of fatherhood, Wallace will be hoping to adjust quickly to the challenging conditions and avoid any setbacks in what promises to be a tough race weekend.
With both the new DVP rule and track changes stirring the pot, the upcoming races are poised to be a pivotal test not just for Wallace, but for the entire NASCAR Cup Series field.