Bubba Wallace's Emotional Journey: From NASCAR Thrills to Fatherhood Surprises
NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace is accustomed to adrenaline-fueled moments on the racetrack, but nothing could prepare him for the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a father.
When Wallace, 31, and his wife Amanda Carter discovered they were expecting their first child in January, they had one simple request: that their baby wouldn't arrive on a Sunday. This wish stemmed from Wallace's demanding NASCAR schedule, where a Sunday birth would likely clash with his racing commitments.
However, fate had other plans. "Saturday night, she goes into labor," Wallace shared with a chuckle. "Lovely. All in the cards for us. I flew home and stayed as long as I could. It was a very slow process. We thought he would wait until his Dad got back home."
With his wife in labor in Charlotte, Wallace found himself at the Kansas Speedway preparing for the Hollywood Casino 400 on September 29. Despite the distance, Wallace was kept updated by his mother-in-law. "I just remember the text saying, 'OK, you can see his head.' And then it switched to a FaceTime call. I thought, 'Oh, I'm going to talk to my wife.' But instead, it was a picture of my son. I was overwhelmed," Wallace recounted.
The entire whirlwind experience unfolded in a mere 20 minutes. "I thought he was going to arrive in the next hour or two, not 20 minutes! Bam, there he was. I had everyone in my motorhome in tears with me. It was wild. It was such a cool, cool moment," Wallace expressed.
Shortly after the unexpected FaceTime birth, Wallace rushed back to the hospital to reunite with his wife and meet his newborn son, Becks, for the first time. Reflecting on the experience, Wallace shared, "I regret not being there, but it made me realize that it's not all about racing now. Once the race is over, that's it."
Becks is already immersing himself in his father's racing world, making his debut at the Bank of America Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 13, at just two weeks old. "On the way home, I was thinking, 'Whoa, this is totally different.' I finished 9th. I had a really good day, but I didn't care. All I cared about was my crying kid in the backseat, you know? I think that's special. And I'm excited to see how that will continue to evolve," Wallace shared.
For the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 20, Wallace is commemorating the 50th anniversary of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) with a custom car paint scheme and suit design. The design features hand-drawn hearts by children associated with RMHC, a concept that originated from Wallace himself.
"We did a Ronald McDonald house visit in Dallas last year, coloring pictures of race cars with families and kids," Wallace explained. "I thought, 'Why am I not running this design from this kid on my car this weekend?' So we made some calls, and everyone was on board."
Wallace's commitment to charity work, particularly with McDonald's in support of RMHC, has been a longstanding passion. This dedication remains unwavering, even with Becks now in the picture. "We're assisting families in need, making them feel special, and alleviating their burdens, even if just for a short while. Playing a small role in that should bring you joy," Wallace emphasized.
McDonald's is launching a yearlong celebration of its 50-year partnership with RMHC by encouraging customers to contribute to the cause. By rounding up your next McDonald's purchase to the nearest dollar, you can give a 'Gift to RMHC' and support families in their time of need.
Bubba Wallace's journey from the high-speed thrills of NASCAR to the profound joys of fatherhood exemplifies the multifaceted nature of life's most significant moments. His story serves as a reminder that amidst the fast-paced world of racing, there are moments of pure emotion and connection that transcend the finish line.
