The birth of his son, Becks, has been the catalyst for Bubba Wallace to find joy in life and in racing.
In the world of speed and adrenaline, a pilot’s personal life can be as intense as the races themselves. Bubba Wallace, known for his performance in NASCAR, has experienced a remarkable transformation, primarily driven by the arrival of his son, Becks. This change has impacted not only his personal life, but also his attitude on the track, improving his performance and focus.
Before, Wallace was known for his frustration and discouragement after races, even reaching moments of anger. However, fatherhood has reversed that dynamic.
Now I’m going back to the bus and Amanda is more upset than I am. It’s hard to navigate that because over the years she’s known this is what we have and I have to make this work… Now I’m walking back, like after Kansas, and I was fine, and she’s heartbroken. It’s kind of funny.
Bubba Wallace
The race at Kansas Speedway, where he led the final lap before being pushed against the wall, was a clear example of this evolution. Although the disappointment was evident, Wallace handled the post-race obligations with professionalism, an attitude that contrasts with his previous reaction.
The arrival of Becks in September 2024 marked a turning point. Fatherhood has provided Wallace with a new perspective, allowing him to enjoy life more and face the challenges of competition with greater serenity.
Freddie Kraft, friend and spotter of Wallace, has noticed this change. Wallace’s emotional fluctuations now seem to soften thanks to his son.
Now it seems like the highs are even higher and the lows are never as low as before. We talk after the race and, many times in the past, if we had a really bad day, I’d get one-word answers or no answers until the next day. Now I can text him and we joke around afterwards, and I think it’s strictly because he’s going back to the bus and seeing Becks, or he’s talking on the phone with Becks before we get on the plane.
Freddie Kraft
Wallace has learned to enjoy fatherhood and to value the moments with his son, which helps him stay calm even when things don’t go well on the track.
Wallace’s mindset has changed significantly. Previously, he would let himself be consumed by what happened in the races, affecting his attitude on and off the track. However, he has learned to separate his professional life from his personal life.Statistically, Bubba Wallace is on track for his best season, achieving a victory in Indianapolis and ranking 10th in the 2025 playoff standings.
Wallace has openly acknowledged his past struggles, including depression. Despite not having sought an official diagnosis, he has worked on his mental fortitude. Fatherhood, reducing social media use, and the ability to separate his professional and personal life have been key to his transformation.
Wallace’s focus on the track has improved noticeably. He has learned not to let a bad day at the race affect him negatively for the rest of the week. Kraft has noticed how Wallace has improved his mentality and his ability to compete at the front.
Denny Hamlin has also expressed his admiration for Wallace’s transformation, highlighting his maturity and leadership within the 23XI Racing team. Wallace’s consistency and performance have made him a formidable competitor.
With three races remaining in the season, Wallace is in 10th place in the standings, heading towards one of his best seasons in the Cup Series. This success is due to both his personal progress and the growth of the team.
Wallace has emphasized that having the opportunity to compete and be successful allows him to enjoy life more and face responsibility with greater peace of mind.
Bubba Wallace’s transformation is a testament to how personal changes can positively impact professional performance. His story is an inspiration for those seeking balance and success in all aspects of life.
