MOORESVILLE, N.C. — As the NASCAR Cup Series rolls into Phoenix Raceway this weekend, all eyes in the garage and across social feeds are on Bubba Wallace and 23XI Racing’s chance to make more history. After teammate Tyler Reddick became the first driver ever to win the first three races of a season, the No. 23 Toyota driver is poised for a breakout performance of his own at the 1-mile oval Sunday in Avondale, Ariz., where the Straight Talk Wireless 500 will offer another chance for the organization to extend its historic early-season run.
Reddick’s unprecedented sweep of Daytona, Atlanta and Circuit of the Americas has put him at the top of the standings with 186 points, a 70-point advantage over Wallace, who sits second with 116. Wallace hasn’t finished worse than 11th this season and has quietly built one of the most consistent starts in his Cup career, tallying multiple stage wins and leading laps at Daytona.
While Phoenix is expected to be Reddick’s best shot at a fourth straight victory — something no driver has ever accomplished to start a season — Wallace’s early season consistency makes him a contender when the green flag drops. Through three races, Wallace is showing steady improvement with top finishes across the board, and his versatility at the 1-mile bullring could pay dividends. Drivers like Ryan Blaney and Christopher Bell have traditionally shown strength at Phoenix, but Wallace’s ability to avoid trouble and score stage points this year puts him in the mix.
Phoenix is a track where experience and patience often trump raw speed. Last year’s spring event saw veteran competitors work their way to the front as the race wore on, and Wallace’s growth in racecraft and tire management adds to his chances of posting a top result. No matter the outcome this weekend, a strong run from Wallace would not only underscore his value to 23XI but also reinforce the depth of talent within the organization that co-owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin have built.
If Wallace does break through for the win, it wouldn’t just be another trophy — it would make 23XI Racing’s tally four victories through four events, further legitimizing the team’s rapid rise and its claim as one of NASCAR’s early season powerhouses. It’s a tall task after Reddick’s historic start, but Wallace’s performance so far shows he has the consistency, speed and opportunity to seize the moment when the checkered flag flies in the desert.
This weekend at Phoenix, history isn’t just a possibility — it’s a storyline waiting to be written. And if Wallace gets the job done, 23XI’s 2026 season may be the one fans remember not just for record wins but for depth of talent and championship momentum.
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