Bubba Wallace Claims First NASCAR Pole, But Falls Short on Sunday

Bubba Wallace secured his first pole position in his NASCAR Cup Series Career on Saturday at Michigan International Speedway, being the only driver to eclipse the 190mph barrier.  The pole was also the first for his team, 23XI Racing, since they starting running last season.

Needing a win to secure a spot in the Playoffs, Wallace fell short on Sunday with a second place finish.  It was a frustrating result, as he seemed to be the one to beat all weekend.  After the race was finished, Wallace got out of his car and rested his head against the door in frustration and disappointment.

An emotional Wallace spoke with NBC Sports after the race:

“Just replaying everything I could have done.  Took the top there on the restart, thought I could hang with the No. 4.  Just got to racing the No. 5 and No. 22, the No. 22 did a good job of getting another Ford contract, helping a Ford win.  All in all, incredible weekend.  Appreciate my team, wish we could have got Toyota in victory lane.  She was fast man.

I’ll wear this one on my heart, for awhile. I failed everybody.”

Watch the full post-race interview below: