NASCAR drivers do dangerous stuff. They wheel heavy stock cars with V8 engines, speed them up to 200 MPH, and do beating-and-banging in close-quarter racetracks. So, as far as the high-octane danger of crashing at dizzying speeds is concerned, drivers are fearless. But that does not mean they never feel spine-chilling fears – and they can involve creepy-crawlies for Bubba Wallace.
The 23XI Racing driver has been on a fiery streak this season. Across seven races in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, he has acquired a 17.29 average finish – just two spots away from his overall finish in 2024. While Bubba Wallace is fearlessly soaring through his career, he cannot help but ponder about the things that keep him up at night.
For the outspoken and upright NASCAR Cup driver, anything might seem fearless, right? Ever since Bubba Wallace joined the stock car racing series, he has bravely upheld his African-American identity. Ranging from fighting against the use of Confederate flags to speaking out about his mental health, Wallace’s fearless demeanor knows no bounds. Wallace had struggled with his race performance, currently facing an 86-race winless streak. But even that fear seems to be melting away – he fetched two back-to-back podium finishes at Homestead-Miami and Martinsville.
Bubba Wallace, NASCAR’s only Black full-time Cup Series driver, has openly discussed his struggles with mental health and the pressures of competing in a predominantly white sport. In a candid reflection, Wallace admitted to feeling “miserable” at the track for years, attributing this to the persona he felt compelled to maintain and the weight of expectations placed upon him. He acknowledged that his behavior had not aligned with his true self and expressed regret for the impact this had on his personal life, particularly his relationship with his wife, Amanda.
Wallace’s self-assessment came after a NASCAR-imposed $50,000 fine for retaliating against Alex Bowman during the 2024 Chicago Street Race. He viewed the penalty as a turning point, prompting him to reevaluate his approach to racing and life. Seeking guidance from retired driver Kevin Harvick, Wallace was advised to embrace his authentic self, both on and off the track, and to focus on enjoying the sport rather than succumbing to external pressures.
In his apology, Wallace expressed remorse for his actions and the persona he had adopted, emphasizing his commitment to personal growth and being true to himself moving forward.