The birth of his son, Becks, has been the catalyst for Bubba Wallace to find joy in life and in racing.
Bubba Wallace, the NASCAR driver, has experienced a notable change in his attitude and performance, primarily driven by the arrival of his son, Becks. Previously known for his frustration and discouragement, Wallace has transformed his approach in both his personal and professional life.
In the past, Wallace used to be the most affected after the races, even breaking his glasses in moments of anger. His wife, Amanda, used to share his sorrow without knowing how to console him. However, the roles have been reversed. Now, it is Amanda who is more disturbed after the races, while Wallace has learned to remain calm.
A clear example of this transformation occurred at the Kansas Speedway, where Wallace was leading the final lap before a move by Denny Hamlin, owner of his 23XI Racing team, pushed him against the wall. Despite the disappointment of not winning, Wallace handled the situation professionally, while Amanda reacted with the same frustration he used to feel.
The most significant change in Wallace has been the arrival of his son, Becks, in September 2024. His friend and spotter, Freddie Kraft, has noticed how Wallace’s moments of happiness are even greater and the low moments less pronounced. Fatherhood has taught Wallace to enjoy life and not let bad results on the track affect him so much.
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 afterwards, and I think it’s strictly because he goes back to the bus and sees Becks, or he’s on the phone with Becks before we get on the plane.
Freddie Kraft
Wallace has learned to “compartmentalize” his life, preventing problems on the track from affecting his overall well-being. He has recognized that, although frustration is inevitable, it is not necessary to add more tension to the situation. Wallace’s attitude has evolved, allowing him to be more approachable and enjoy his time on the circuit more.Statistically, Bubba Wallace is on track for his best season, achieving a victory in Indianapolis and ranking tenth in the 2025 playoff standings.
The team owner, Denny Hamlin, has expressed his amazement at Wallace’s maturity and performance. Hamlin highlights that Wallace’s car has been the fastest on the team and that Wallace has become a consistent competitor. This is attributed to a change in Wallace’s mindset and the improvement in the team’s setup, thanks to crew chief Charles Denike.
With three races remaining in the season, Wallace is in tenth place in the standings, with the possibility of having his best season in the Cup Series. Wallace has shown remarkable progress in his personal life and in the team’s performance, which is reflected in his results on the track. Wallace’s motivation to improve and succeed has been key to his transformation.
Wallace has found joy in competition and enjoys every aspect of his life, which has transformed his attitude and performance in races. Wallace’s approach to life and sport has changed drastically, showing a maturity and enjoyment that were less evident before.
