The birth of his son, Becks, has been the catalyst that has helped Bubba Wallace 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, it was common to find Wallace dejected in his motorhome after a race, a state that often led to frustration and impulsive reactions.
However, the situation has changed. Now, it’s his wife, Amanda, who sometimes seems more affected by the race results than he is. Wallace has learned to handle situations with calm and professionalism, an evolution that has surprised those around him.
Now I’m going back to the bus and Amanda is more upset than I am. It’s hard to deal with that because over the years she knows this is what we have and that I have to make it work. … Now I go in, like after Kansas, and I’m fine, and she’s heartbroken. It’s kind of funny.
Bubba Wallace
A clear example of this transformation was at Kansas Speedway, where Wallace was leading on the last lap before a move by his teammate, Denny Hamlin, pushed him against the wall. Despite the disappointment, Wallace maintained his composure, a very different reaction than he used to have.
The arrival of Becks in September 2024 was the main factor of change. According to Freddie Kraft, friend and spotter of Wallace, fatherhood has had a significant impact on his mood, making moments of joy even greater and low moments less pronounced.
Now it seems that the moments of happiness are even greater and the low moments 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 would get one-word answers or no answer until the next day. Now I can text him and we’re joking afterwards, and I think it’s strictly because he’s going back to the bus and seeing Becks, or he’s talking on the phone with Becks before we get on the plane.
Freddie Kraft
Wallace has found a renewed perspective in fatherhood, realizing that his son brings him a joy that transcends the results of the races. Bad days on the track no longer consume him in the same way, as his focus is on his family.
This new attitude has transformed his life on and off the track. Previously, Wallace would let himself be consumed by what happened on Sundays, which affected his mental state throughout the week. Now, he is more committed, easier to deal with, and better able to manage both his personal and professional life.Statistically, Bubba Wallace is on track for his best season, achieving a victory in Indianapolis and ranking tenth in the 2025 playoff standings.
Wallace has publicly shared his struggles with mental health, including depression, although he has never been officially diagnosed. He has worked on his personal strength, although he does not rule out the value of therapy. Fatherhood, reducing the use of social media, and the ability to separate the different areas of his life have been crucial to his progress.
Wallace acknowledges that frustration on the track used to lead him to make bad decisions. Now, he has learned to handle situations more effectively, which is reflected in his performance and in his relationship with his team.
Denny Hamlin, owner of the 23XI Racing team, has also expressed his admiration for Wallace’s transformation, highlighting his maturity and leadership within the team. Wallace has proven to be a consistent competitor, which has led the team to have great success.
With three races remaining in the season, Wallace is in tenth place in the standings and could be on track for his best season in the Cup Series. This personal progress and team growth translate into a remarkable performance.
Wallace has expressed that he enjoys the opportunity to compete and the joy he finds in every aspect of his life. His renewed focus and positive attitude have been key to his success and overall well-being.
