In a sport known for its high-speed thrills and high-stakes drama, few stories have captured the emotional rawness and sheer resilience of NASCAR like that of Bubba Wallace. Once on the verge of walking away from racing altogether, Wallace is now at the center of one of the most remarkable team surges in recent memory. But the road to redemption was paved with breakdowns, doubts, and defiance.
Hitting Rock Bottom
In a candid new interview, Bubba Wallace opened up about a period of intense personal struggle that almost led him to quit racing altogether. “I hit rock bottom mentally,” Wallace admitted. “There were days I couldn’t get out of bed. I felt like a fraud, like I didn’t belong in the sport.”
Wallace, one of NASCAR’s only Black drivers, has long carried not only the pressure of performance but also the weight of representation. In 2020, his outspokenness on racial injustice and mental health issues made national headlines. But behind the powerful speeches and bold actions was a man quietly unraveling.
“There were moments when I thought, ‘Is this even worth it anymore?’” he confessed. “The criticism, the pressure, the isolation — it all built up.”
23XI Racing: A Lifeline
Just when it seemed like his career might be reaching a premature end, fate threw Wallace a lifeline. In late 2020, NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin announced the creation of a new team: 23XI Racing. And their first call? Bubba Wallace.
“People called me crazy for saying yes,” Wallace recalled. “They said it was a PR stunt, or that I wasn’t good enough. But I saw something they didn’t — I saw a fresh start.”
That fresh start became the turning point not just in Wallace’s career, but in his life. 23XI Racing gave him a platform, resources, and — most importantly — belief. Slowly, Wallace began to rediscover his passion for the sport.
A Shocking Climb
The climb wasn’t immediate, but it was undeniable. Critics who once dismissed Wallace as “just hype” were forced to take notice when he secured his first NASCAR Cup Series victory at Talladega in 2021. It was a moment of validation — and vindication.
“People don’t understand what that win meant,” Wallace said. “It wasn’t just about crossing the finish line first. It was about proving that I still belonged, that I could still fight.”
Since then, 23XI has continued its meteoric rise, with both Wallace and teammate Tyler Reddick posting strong performances. The team has earned multiple top-10 finishes and is now seen as a legitimate playoff contender.
Mental Health as a Weapon
Wallace has made it clear that he’s not hiding from his past — he’s using it as fuel. “Rock bottom changed everything,” he said. “It gave me perspective. It made me stronger. I don’t run from it. I use it.”
In fact, Wallace has become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness in sports, encouraging other athletes to speak out and seek help. “We’re taught to be tough in this sport,” he said. “But the strongest thing I ever did was ask for help.”
“They Called Me Crazy”
Wallace knows there are still doubters — and maybe there always will be. But he doesn’t care anymore.
“They called me crazy for believing I could come back,” he said. “They called me crazy for thinking 23XI could compete with the big boys. But crazy built this comeback. Crazy made it possible.”
As Wallace gears up for the remainder of the season, his message is clear: don’t count him out.
“I’ve got more to prove,” he said, with a grin. “And I’m just getting started.”
