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 NASCAR, Bubba Wallace has experienced a remarkable transformation. Gone are the days when frustration and negativity dominated his environment in the motorhome after a race. Now, the joy of fatherhood and a new perspective have radically changed his approach, both on and off the track.
Before, Wallace was known for his discomfort and frustration. His wife, Amanda, used to feel the same distress, not knowing how to console him. However, the dynamic has changed. Now, it is Amanda who is more affected by the race results, while Wallace has learned to remain calm and keep perspective.
A key moment was at Kansas Speedway, where Wallace was leading the final lap before a move by his teammate, Denny Hamlin, pushed him against the wall. Despite the disappointment, Wallace handled the situation with professionalism and grace, while Amanda’s reaction reflected the frustration he used to feel.
The Change: The Arrival of Becks
The arrival of his son Becks in September 2024 was the main catalyst for this change. According to Freddie Kraft, friend and observer of Wallace, Bubba’s emotions were previously very variable. Now, the moments of joy are even greater, and the lows are not as deep. Fatherhood has given him a new perspective and a reason to enjoy each day.
“Now I can text him and joke 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. That kid has done a lot for him and it’s an incredible makeover for Bubba”.
Freddie Kraft
Wallace has learned to enjoy fatherhood and to realize that his son makes everything more enjoyable. On days when things don’t go well on the track, or when his championship chances end, it’s easier to handle because Becks doesn’t know or care what happened.
Wallace’s focus used to consume him in his career, which affected his mental attitude and performance. Now, he has learned to separate his personal life from his professional life, which allows him to better manage the pressures of racing.
Wallace has spoken openly about his mental health issues in the past, including depression. Although he has not been officially diagnosed, he has worked on his personal strength. Fatherhood, reducing the use of social media, and the ability to separate his personal and professional 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.
Wallace has learned to manage frustration and not let a bad day consume him. He has understood that he belongs to the elite of racing and that his team has the potential to compete at the front. His team boss, Charles Denike, has been instrumental in improving his mindset.
Denny Hamlin has also expressed his amazement at Wallace’s transformation, highlighting his maturity and leadership on the 23XI team. Hamlin believes that Wallace has become a consistent competitor to be reckoned with every week.
With three races remaining in the season, Wallace is in tenth place in the standings, heading towards what could be his best season in the Cup Series. This success is due to his personal progress and the growth of the team, with performances that are not always reflected in the final results.
Wallace’s motivation for the 2025 season was the potential shown by Reddick the previous year. Wallace has shared on social media that “the mindset is at its highest point” and that he is “very happy” after taking the initiative to improve after two difficult seasons.
Having success on the track has reinforced his attitude off it, allowing him to enjoy the competition and take responsibility for his performance. Wallace has found joy in every aspect of his life, and that is reflected in his approach to racing.
