Wallace gets new crew chief for 2025
Today at 02:24 PM
Bubba Wallace will have a new crew chief beginning in 2025 as Bootie Barker moves into a different role within 23XI Racing.
Barker will call the final two NASCAR Cup Series races for the No. 23 team at Martinsville Speedway (Nov. 3) and Phoenix Raceway (Nov. 10) before transitioning to competition leadership to prepare cars and strategize races. The role will be based at Airspeed.
Charles Denike will assume the crew chief role for Wallace. Denike will join 23XI Racing from McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, where he oversees the No. 19 team for Christian Eckes in the Craftsman Truck Series.
"Since joining 23XI, Bootie has provided Bubba and the No. 23 crew with the leadership and confidence they needed to grow into the team they are today," said Dave Rogers, 23XI Director of Competition. "As we began to look ahead to next season, we decided that Bootie's experience would best serve the organization in a different role based at Airspeed. His input will continue to be an asset to our teams.
"We're excited to welcome Charles to the organization and look forward to getting started with him at the end of the season. He will be a terrific addition to the No. 23 team and 23XI as we continue to work to be better."
Wallace and Barker were paired late in the 2021 season and won together at Talladega Superspeedway. Not only was it Wallace's first career win, but it was the first for 23XI Racing in its debut season. The two won their second race at Kansas Speedway in the fall of 2022.
Barker will have called 593 races in the Cup Series after the season finale.
"Bootie has meant a lot to me and the No. 23 team," Wallace said. "We've been together for some special moments, and I'm glad he's still going to be a part of what we're building at 23XI. I'm excited to work with Charles and see what we can accomplish together."
Denike has guided Eckes to seven wins since being paired together in 2023. They finished fifth in the championship standings and returned to claim the regular season championship this year. The two are looking to earn a spot in the championship race during Friday night's elimination race at Martinsville Speedway.
The 2025 season will be the first time Denike has been a crew chief at the Cup Series level.
"I am excited for the 2025 season with the No. 23 team and to work with Bubba and all of 23XI Racing beginning in the offseason," Denike said. "Bubba is a proven winner, and I believe we will bring out the best in each other. Thank you to Michael Denny , and Dave for the opportunity to join the 23XI family. They have built an incredible culture at Airspeed.
"I am a believer that winning is a process. When you step foot into Airspeed, you see the tools and resources that it takes to win and are surrounded by people with the same vision and mindset. I am looking forward to this next chapter and to be able to contribute to 23XI's growth and journey to winning championships."
