By Jerry Jordan, Editor
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – After going through some of the lowest moments of his life and doubting his ability behind the wheel of the racecars he drives for a living, Bubba Wallace picked up a win in Stage 2 of the NASCAR Open to qualify for a shot at $1 million in the Monster Energy All-Star race.
“It shows, I guess I’ve still got it,” Wallace said. “It has been hard, it’s been really hard.”
Wallace’s performance on the track has been lackluster to say the least and despite his talent he couldn’t seem to get a good run or shake the bad luck that was following him. Then, there were issues in his personal life that can have a devastating effect emotionally on a person. Wallace admitted he has a long way to go but he is trying to turn things around and advancing to the NASCAR All-Star race is huge confidence boost.
“My mental game is really shot right now, but damn it feels good to win something,” Wallace said. “I have failed at a lot of things in life recently and I am working to make those things better. So, we’ll see what we can get tonight. I ain’t going to say we don’t have a shot in hell but we might be the most exciting one out there.”
Wallace edged out Daniel Suarez for the stage win forcing him down the track as the two were within 100-yards of the checkered flag. It was an all or nothing move as only the stage winners and race winner advanced to race for the big prize. There was a fan vote but Wallace was nowhere near the top of contention for that, so he did what he had to do.
In the first stage, Wallace finished second to William Byron by just a matter of inches. He said he had two choices – park the car and go to the house or fight to make sure he was on top the next go around. He chose the latter.
“I gave up the damn first stage win and didn’t say anything on the radio,” Wallace said. “My parents and everybody who has helped me has always said I drive better when I am pissed-off I drive better. I did everything I could. I told myself to quit and just pull – to don’t even try again for the second stage.
“You don’t get many second shots in life and I had to capitalize on it. We are about to go fight for a million dollars, so we are good.”
Also, advancing to the All-Star race will be Bowman (fan vote), Byron (Stage 1 winner) and Kyle Larson (race winner).
