Jimmie Johnson's Brilliance Surpasses Michael Jordan, as Star Driver Bubba Wallace Is Compared to Kevin Harvick
Bubba Wallace, the star driver for Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, recently proved his critics wrong, including the legendary Kyle Petty, who didn't initially consider him among the top 12 drivers. Not only did Wallace secure a spot among this prestigious group, but he also outperformed some of the best drivers in the field, setting a new standard for his peers.
However, is all the hype surrounding him truly justified? Considering the average playoff finishes in 2023, the question remains open. It appears that there are other talented drivers, such as the one under Jimmie Johnson, who might offer better value for their performance than Bubba Wallace, placing him in a similar position to the ousted Kevin Harvick.
Is the driver under Jimmie Johnson's guidance a more reliable bet than the top talent backed by Michael Jordan?
As the final showdown at Phoenix Raceway approaches with only six races remaining, the pressure is mounting for all the drivers. In this intense playoff scenario, Bubba Wallace cannot be overlooked. The protégé of Michael Jordan found himself on the edge of the playoffs, teetering on the brink, and ultimately secured a spot in the top 12 thanks to Chris Buescher's victory at Daytona. It's a significant achievement for the 23XI driver to enter the playoffs without securing a win.
However, it must be acknowledged that Wallace's playoff entry may seem more like he benefited from the success of others rather than forging his own path. While Team Jordan strategically accumulated points to stay in contention, it's evident that relying solely on point totals and others' misfortunes won't be enough to climb higher.
A glimpse into the average finish statistics shared on NASCAR's Reddit page suggests that for NASCAR enthusiasts seeking a driver to support, Jimmie Johnson's protege, Carson Hocevar, might be a more promising choice. Despite participating in just three races at Darlington, Kansas, and Bristol, Hocevar, as a part-time Cup Series driver, boasts a superior average finish compared to the more experienced playoff driver from Michael Jordan's team, Bubba Wallace. Wallace's average finish of 17.7 is only slightly better than Kevin Harvick's 19.7, while Hocevar, despite his limited appearances, showcases an impressive 16.
For further persuasion, let's turn to the track records. Upcoming on the schedule is the Texas race, where Wallace has secured a top-10 finish only twice and has remained below 16th place in the last three races. In contrast, Hocevar's performances at the Texas Motor Speedway in the Truck Series encompass two top-5 finishes and a victory in his three appearances. Evidently, when examining the statistics, Hocevar appears to hold the advantage.
However, in the unpredictable realm of NASCAR, where strategy can play a pivotal role—just consider Matt Kenseth's championship win in 2003 with only a single race victory—perhaps Wallace has a hidden advantage.
Is Bubba Wallace drawing inspiration from the playbook of Matt Kenseth?
Although Matt Kenseth had momentum on his side with at least one victory, sailing comfortably into the rounds with a strong points position, his track record appears slightly more impressive than Wallace's current position. Wallace appears to be progressing cautiously based on points accumulation rather than securing race wins.
Even Denny Hamlin, who leads Wallace's team, shares similar thoughts. Hamlin expressed his belief that if Wallace continues following his current strategy, making a deep playoff run won't be an unattainable goal.
Nhận xét
Đăng nhận xét