Bubba Wallace: The birth of his son transformed his NASCAR career

The birth of his son, Becks, has been a catalyst for Bubba Wallace to find joy in life and in racing.

Bubba Wallace: The Transformation On and Off the Track

In the world of NASCAR, Bubba Wallace has experienced a remarkable transformation. Previously known for his frustration and discouragement, he now radiates a positive attitude that has impacted both his personal life and his performance on the track. The most significant change came with the arrival of his son, Becks Wallace, in September 2024. Before, after the races, Wallace used to take refuge in his motorhome, sunk in sadness. Now, it’s his wife, Amanda, who seems more affected by the results. This role reversal is a clear indication of the change in his perspective.

Now I’m going back to the bus and Amanda is more upset than I am. It’s hard to handle because over the years she’s known that this is what we have and that I have to make this work… Now I’m going back, like after Kansas, and I’m fine, and she’s heartbroken. It’s kind of funny.

Bubba Wallace

The race at Kansas Speedway, where he led the final lap before being pushed against the wall by his teammate Denny Hamlin, was an example of this resilience. Despite the disappointment of not winning, Wallace handled post-race obligations with professionalism and grace, unlike his previous reaction. The arrival of Becks has been the biggest catalyst for this change. According to Freddie Kraft, friend and spotter of Wallace, the “highs are even higher and the lows are never as low as before.” Fatherhood has taught Wallace to enjoy life and not let bad results consume him. Wallace has learned to “compartmentalize” his life, preventing problems on the track from affecting his overall well-being. He acknowledges that he used to let Sunday’s results torment him throughout the week, which affected his attitude and performance. Now, he has found a way to manage frustration and maintain a positive mindset.

Statistically, Bubba Wallace is on track for his best season, achieving a victory in Indianapolis and ranking tenth in the 2025 playoff standings. Wallace’s progress has been evident to everyone, including his team boss, Denny Hamlin, who has praised his maturity and leadership. Wallace has proven to be a consistent competitor and a leader 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 for his best season in the Cup Series, at least statistically. Success on the track has reinforced his attitude off it. Wallace enjoys the opportunity to compete and the chemistry he has developed with his team. He has found joy in all aspects of his life, which has transformed his approach to racing and to life in general.