Rick Hendrick Admits Regret Over Bubba Wallace Decision: “A Big Mistake”
Rick Hendrick, the iconic owner of Hendrick Motorsports, has made a stunning admission regarding one of his most controversial decisions in recent years. In an exclusive interview, Hendrick expressed deep regret for choosing Bubba Wallace over Kyle Larson, saying it was “a very big mistake” and that he is already tired of Wallace’s performance. The statement has shocked the NASCAR community, as Hendrick is known for being fiercely loyal to his drivers and for making bold decisions that usually pay off in the long run.
Hendrick, who has built a legacy of success with drivers like Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Chase Elliott, made headlines a few seasons ago when he chose to bring Wallace into the Hendrick Motorsports fold. Wallace, known for his advocacy for racial equality and his performances on the track, was seen as a driver with immense potential, but his results have been inconsistent.
In the interview, Hendrick was candid about his frustration with Wallace’s performance. “I thought Bubba would bring us the success we needed, but it’s just not working out. I put a lot of faith in him, and to be honest, I feel like it was a mistake,” Hendrick admitted. “At this point, I’m really questioning my decision. He’s not showing the consistency or the performance that we need in that car.”
Hendrick’s disappointment comes after a series of underwhelming results from Wallace in recent seasons. Despite flashes of brilliance, Wallace has struggled to maintain competitive finishes and has found himself frequently outperformed by other drivers in the Hendrick stable, including Larson, who has been one of the most dominant drivers in recent NASCAR history. Larson, who had been a standout driver for Chip Ganassi Racing before his departure to Hendrick, has continued to showcase his immense talent, winning races and competing for championships, while Wallace has failed to deliver similar results.
“I look at Kyle Larson and see a driver who can win on any track, in any condition. He’s a true champion,” Hendrick said. “Bubba, on the other hand, has the talent, but it just hasn’t clicked the way I thought it would. Maybe I was too quick to make that call.”
The move to replace Larson with Wallace came with its own set of challenges. Larson’s rise at Hendrick was meteoric, and Hendrick was keen to maintain that level of performance across his fleet of cars. However, the decision to bring Wallace on board was also influenced by a desire to increase Hendrick Motorsports’ visibility and bring attention to NASCAR’s push for diversity and inclusion. While Wallace has been a trailblazer in this regard, Hendrick admitted that the results on the track simply haven’t lived up to expectations.
Despite his frustrations, Hendrick stressed that he remains committed to his team and will continue to support Wallace as the season progresses. “It’s still early, and we’re not giving up on Bubba yet,” he said. “But right now, I can’t lie—it’s been a tough road.”
The news has sent shockwaves through the NASCAR world, and many fans are eagerly awaiting Wallace’s response. As for Hendrick, it seems clear that his patience is wearing thin, and the pressure is mounting for the driver to turn things around before it’s too late.
