Bubba Wallace jokes about anime knowledge ahead of Jujutsu Kaisen x McDonald's Chicago ride

NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace and his 23XI Racing team will hit the streets of Chicago for the second annual Chicago Street Race, showcasing fresh livery for their #23 Toyota Camry XSE.

Wallace's car depicts a red and black colorway, with yellow accents and a unique Jujutsu Kaisen-themed design, celebrating McDonald's partnership with the popular anime series. This exclusive paint scheme includes artwork depicting special-grade energy, the face of the popular character Sukuna, and the iconic Jujutsu Kaisen logo.

In a recent interview with Bob Pockrass, Bubba Wallace was asked what he thought about the new livery for the Grant Park 165. Wallace said:

"I'm very little on the Anime side, I know it is big for McDonalds to push that Jujutsu anime stuff, so it was fun...all in all, I'm down for it. As long as it is fast, I'm good with whatever we put on the car."

Pockrass asked him whether the #23 driver thought the car was fast. The pair shared a laugh, after which Wallace replied:

"Why are you laughing?"

Bubba Wallace has had a tough time on road courses, with only one top-five and two top-ten finishes in 29 NASCAR Cup Series starts. Wallace finished 31st in the inaugural street race in Chicago last year, but this year looks more promising for the 23XI driver, as he stands in P6, just short of the top five in the starting grid for the Grant Park 165.

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"I think he's maturing" - Denny Hamlin on Bubba Wallace's playoff spot struggle

Bubba Wallace sits in P15 in the Cup Series driver standings ahead of the street race in Chicago, right behind Ally 400 winner Joey Logano. Wallace secured a seventh-place finish in Nashville, securing 31 points. Still winless this season, the #23 driver finds himself in a must-win situation for the remaining eight regular-season races.

23XI Racing's co-owner and Cup Series driver, Denny Hamlin, shed light on Bubba Wallace's chances to reach the playoffs this season. Hamlin, in a media conference, said:

"I think he's still probably, frustrated, with himself at times, with the team at times, but I think he's doing a better job of not outwardly showing that. I just think that comes with maturity and I think he's maturing." [04:54]

"Certainly, with some guidance with team, we've tried to help them, guide them through those tough times that you're always gonna have, but I mentioned to him this week that you got just a handful of races that we gotta get done and it certainly means a lot to us to make the playoffs and certainly to him to make the playoffs," he added.

With the second edition of the street race in Chicago right around the corner, Wallace has no choice but to summon his skill and experience to claim a playoff spot for the 2024 season.