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 undergone a notable transformation, especially since the arrival of his son, Becks. Previously known for his frustration and discouragement after races, Wallace has found a new perspective that has positively impacted both his personal and professional life.
In the past, Wallace often appeared dejected after races, a state that affected his wife, Amanda. Now, the dynamic has changed. “I get back on the bus and Amanda is more upset than I am,” Wallace commented. This role reversal reflects Wallace’s internal change, who now handles difficult situations better.
A clear example of this evolution was seen in the Kansas Speedway race, where Wallace led until the last lap, but a move by Denny Hamlin, owner of his 23XI Racing team, relegated him. Despite the disappointment, Wallace remained calm and fulfilled his post-race obligations with professionalism.
Now it seems that moments of joy are even greater and those of sadness are never as deep as before.
Freddie Kraft, friend and spotter of Wallace
The birth of Becks in September 2024 was the main catalyst for this change. According to Freddie Kraft, friend and spotter of Wallace, fatherhood has transformed the driver’s perspective. “That kid has done a lot for him, it’s an incredible change for Bubba,” Kraft stated.
Wallace has learned to enjoy fatherhood and to value the moments with his son, which allows him to better handle the challenges on the track. “You hold on to when you’re with him or Amanda and nothing else matters,” explained Wallace, highlighting how his son helps him disconnect from the pressure of racing.
Throughout his career, Wallace used to let race results consume him, affecting his mental state on and off the track. However, fatherhood has been key to changing this dynamic. He has learned to control his emotions and separate aspects of his life, allowing him to approach races with a more positive attitude.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 been open about his struggles with mental health, including depression, although he has never spoken of an official diagnosis. Fatherhood, reducing the use of social media, and the ability to separate aspects of his life have been fundamental to his growth.
In the past, Wallace allowed poor results to affect him deeply, often resulting in poor decisions on the track. Now, with a renewed mindset, Wallace feels more confident and capable of competing at the front. Teamwork and the improvement of his mindset, led by crew chief Charles Denike, have been crucial.
Denny Hamlin has also expressed his admiration for Wallace’s transformation, highlighting his maturity and leadership on the 23XI Racing team. “The maturity he has shown… is something I can’t believe,” Hamlin said.
With three races remaining in the season, Wallace is in 10th place in the standings and could be on his way to his best season in the Cup Series, at least statistically. Wallace’s personal progress and the team’s growth have been evident, with a performance that is not always reflected in the final results.
Wallace’s motivation for the 2025 season was fueled by Reddick’s success. Wallace has endorsed a social media post from January, sharing that “the mindset is at its highest point” and that “he couldn’t be happier” after committing to improve after two difficult seasons.
Success on the track has also contributed to his attitude off it. “It’s been great to show speed each week and have an opportunity,” Wallace said. “That’s what you want: to have the opportunity to succeed. It allows you to move freely, have less stress, and take full responsibility. I like figuring those things out when it comes to the racing side, and when you have the right people in the right place, the right team, and everything has to fit perfectly, but it seems like we have that good chemistry right now.”
Bubba Wallace’s transformation is a testament to his personal and professional growth, demonstrating that fatherhood can be a powerful catalyst for change and success.
