In a jaw-dropping move that’s sending shockwaves through the motorsports world, NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace has officially parted ways with 23XI Racing and signed a controversial, record-breaking $180 million contract with the newly formed Confederate Flag Racing (CFR) team.
The deal, spanning five years, marks the largest individual driver contract in NASCAR history—and perhaps the most unexpected.
Wallace, who became a prominent figure for racial justice within the sport after his outspoken stance against the Confederate flag in 2020, confirmed the move late Tuesday night via a cryptic post on X (formerly Twitter) that read: “Full circle. Time to rewrite the story.” The post featured an image of a race car cloaked in a red, white, and blue design—though notably absent was any actual Confederate iconography.
A Sudden Departure
Wallace’s departure from 23XI—a team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and fellow driver Denny Hamlin—comes just weeks before the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series hits its midseason break. According to sources close to the team, Wallace had been in quiet negotiations with CFR for several months, citing “creative control, ownership stake, and a long-term vision” as key motivators.
“We’re disappointed to see Bubba go,” said Hamlin during a press conference. “But we respect his decision. He’s built something meaningful with us, and we wish him nothing but the best.”
Who is CFR?
Confederate Flag Racing, launched earlier this year by controversial billionaire oil tycoon Jeb McCallister, has already made headlines with its polarizing name and branding. While many assumed the team would embrace traditional Southern imagery, CFR recently unveiled a surprising rebrand—positioning itself as a “reconciliation project” aimed at confronting, rather than glorifying, the past.
“We’re not flying flags—we’re changing meanings,” McCallister told reporters. “Signing Bubba was never about controversy. It’s about redemption and redefining legacy. We don’t want to erase history, we want to evolve it.”
Fan Reaction Divided
Social media erupted within minutes of the announcement. While some fans praised Wallace’s boldness and willingness to “flip the narrative,” others called the move “hypocritical” or “a sellout play.”
Longtime NASCAR analyst Jenna Crawford offered a different perspective: “This isn’t just about racing—it’s a social statement. Bubba is inserting himself into the very heart of the conversation he once helped ignite. Whether you agree or not, you’re watching history.”
What’s Next
CFR’s debut race featuring Wallace is scheduled for the Southern 500 in Darlington this September. The team has promised a “revolutionary” car design and a live broadcast special titled “From Protest to Podium.”
As for Wallace, when asked by a reporter if this move betrays his past stances, he simply replied, “You can’t change the system from the outside forever.”
One thing is certain—NASCAR just got a lot more complicated, and perhaps, a lot more interesting.
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