Thirty-six racing events every season is a tough schedule, but Bubba Wallace is carrying much more, being the only full-time Black driver in NASCAR. As for Wallace, who drives the No. 23 Toyota Camry for Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing, he has to deal with much more than simply the rigors of an intense racing schedule. Like many of us, he has faced his share of personal challenges that could break even the strongest among us. From the horrifying noose incident in his garage to wrestling with his mental health and watching his best friend, Ryan Blaney, claim the 2023 championship, Wallace’s resilience has been challenged and tested to the limit.
But through everything, his wife, Amanda Carter, has always been the one rock that he has depended on. High school sweethearts have been together since 2015, marrying on New Year’s Eve 2022 and welcoming their first child, Becks Hayden, on September 29, 2024. As parents, their bond seems stronger than ever, which Wallace credits as an evolution for him during this new chapter of his life and a turning point for his mental health and career.
A Season of Progress Amid Struggles
It was a season with definite progress for Wallace in 2024. He scored no less than 14 top 10 finishes and got 6 top 5 finishes, clear upward trend lines over 2023. But everything was not over. Although $50,000 worth of penalty came for door-slamming Alex Bowman, it wasn’t just a financial toll but an emotional drag. Wallace had admitted to having been carrying a persona he wasn’t proud of, saying he was “walking around with a chip on my shoulder.”
Emerging with such struggles, he has learned to survive more, considering the love and stability Amanda offers. “When the mentals are in check.. it’s unbelievable how great life can be. Doing it with your best friend is what life is all about. Thriving,” Wallace mirrored in a heart-melting Instagram post.
A Decade-Long Bond That Grows Stronger
The companionship between Wallace and Carter has really been a big part of his success. Amanda herself talked about their deeply connected worlds and said, “We are such good bond fellows. I love the time we spend together. We wouldn’t get tired just sitting around all day every day. He is really handsome and charming.
This has been an important impact on Wallace as he tries to deal with the mental impact of racing. Wallace has kept it real about letting pressure from the race track affect their marriage every once in a while, but he has put that behind him. “I wasn’t the best husband,” he admitted. “I made her feel like she had to walk on eggshells after bad races. That is not what it’s about. It’s about going home, getting a fresh reset and being close to the people around you.”
Support From Legends and Loved Ones
Wallace had the same circle of mentors as most of the big names in sports. One of those is Michael Jordan; he has taught wallace how to lead a team as well as how to control his emotions. Then there is NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick, who stepped in just after Wallace got into a spat with Bowman, and his kind encouragement was, “Hold your chin up.” But above all, Amanda is the one to whom he turns for the most strength.
“I’m like yeah, wake up and she will be like ‘how do you feel today?'” We may inspire each other. We take our turns with video games. She’s a solid helping hand,” said Wallace. “To my peeps out there staring at a blank wall, I stand with you. Tomorrow is yet another day. Another opportunity. Keep after it.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
It is Wallace who walks through the portal into 2025 rejuvenated, now accompanied by Amanda and theirвfound son Becks. Wallace embraces renewal, optimism entailing performances on the track that will result from-a taxing, stressful yet growth-filled year recently past.
“It is not about what happens at the actual races-it is about all the people that ground you and remind you why you love this life,” Wallace said. “That’s what makes the journey worth it.”
With family as his anchor, Bubba Wallace is ready to reach new heights in 2025.
