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 transformation in his attitude and performance, largely driven by the arrival of his son, Becks. Previously known for his frustration and difficulty in handling poor results, Wallace has found a new perspective that allows him to enjoy life and racing more.
Before, Wallace used to sink into misery after races, even breaking objects and causing concern for his wife, Amanda. Now, the dynamic has changed, and it is Amanda who often appears more affected by setbacks, while Wallace has learned to remain calm and maintain perspective.
An example of this evolution was seen in the race at Kansas Speedway, where Wallace was leading on the last lap before being pushed against the wall by his teammate Denny Hamlin. Despite the disappointment of not winning and being eliminated from the playoffs, Wallace handled the situation with professionalism and grace.
The arrival of Becks in September 2024 marked a turning point. According to Freddie Kraft, friend and spotter of Wallace, the driver has experienced a notable improvement in his mood, with less pronounced lows and a greater ability to enjoy the positive moments.
Now it seems like the highs are even higher and the lows are never as low as before. We talk after the race, and a lot of times in the past, if we had a really bad day, I’d get one-word answers or no answers at all 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 found in fatherhood a source of joy and perspective. He has learned to enjoy his time with his son and not to let bad results on the court affect his overall mood.
Throughout his career, Wallace has struggled with mental health, including depression. He has worked on his personal well-being, although he has not ruled out the value of therapy. Fatherhood and the ability to separate problems from the track from his personal life have been key to his transformation.Statistically, Bubba Wallace is on track for his best season, achieving a victory in Indianapolis and placing tenth in the 2025 playoff standings.
In the past, Wallace allowed race results to consume him, affecting his attitude and performance. Now, he has learned to stay calm and focus on the positive aspects of his life.
Wallace’s maturity has been evident, and his teammate, Denny Hamlin, has praised his growth and leadership on the 23XI Racing team. With three races remaining in the season, Wallace is in tenth place in the standings and could be on track to have the best season of his career.
Wallace’s motivation to improve was fueled by Tyler Reddick’s success in the previous season. He has expressed his happiness and satisfaction with his personal progress and the team’s growth.
The combination of success on the track and a positive attitude off it has created a more conducive environment for Wallace’s performance. He has found joy in competing and in enjoying every aspect of his life.
