Bubba Wallace: The birth of his child transformed his NASCAR career

The birth of his son Becks has been the catalyst for Bubba Wallace to find joy in life and in racing. NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace has undergone a notable transformation, finding a new perspective on life and racing after the arrival of his son, Becks. Previously known for his frustration and difficulty in handling poor results, Wallace has changed his approach, showing a more positive and resilient attitude. In the past, Wallace used to be the one who showed annoyance after races, even breaking objects in moments of frustration. However, now, his wife Amanda is the one who expresses the most concern about the results.

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 that 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 beside herself. It’s kind of funny.

Bubba Wallace

In the race at Kansas Speedway, Wallace was leading on the last lap when a move by his teammate and team owner, Denny Hamlin, pushed him against the wall. Despite the disappointment of not winning, Wallace handled the situation professionally, while Amanda reacted similarly to how he used to. The arrival of Becks in September 2024 has been the main factor of change for Wallace. His friend and spotter, Freddie Kraft, has noticed a big difference in Wallace’s attitude, who now handles both his personal and professional life better.

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’re joking around afterwards, and I think it’s strictly because he’s going back to the bus and seeing Becks, or he’s on the phone with Becks before we get on the plane.

Freddie Kraft

Wallace has learned to enjoy fatherhood and to let poor results on the track not affect his overall happiness, as his son doesn’t care about what happens in the races. This perspective has allowed him to better manage pressure and stress.

Statistically, Bubba Wallace is on track for his best season, earning a win at Indianapolis and placing tenth in the 2025 playoff standings. Wallace has publicly shared his struggles with mental health, including depression. Fatherhood, reducing social media use, and the ability to separate track issues from his personal life have been key to his transformation. Wallace’s mindset has improved significantly, allowing him to remain calm and focused even in difficult moments.

Now he realizes that he belongs as a guy who runs up front and the cars are capable of running up front. Even when we don’t have a great start or we have a penalty, something that puts us behind, we have enough talent and car to get back to the top.

Freddie Kraft

Denny Hamlin has also expressed his admiration for Wallace’s maturity and performance, highlighting his leadership in the 23XI Racing team.

The maturity he has shown. He has been the self-leader at 23XI, really throughout the year. I think [Tyler Reddick] might surpass him in the finishing average because he doesn’t have as many DNFs, but the 23 has been the fastest car we have. And that’s something I can’t believe.

Denny Hamlin

With three races remaining in the season, Wallace is in 10th place in the standings and could be on track for his best season in the Cup Series. Wallace has expressed his happiness and satisfaction with his personal progress and the team’s success.

I’ve enjoyed where I’ve been in life. I hope to wake up and compete more than I have, and it’s been fun to be on the track. There’s no other way to say it. All that is for enjoying every aspect of life.

Bubba Wallace