Bubba Wallace, the 32-year-old NASCAR Cup Series driver for 23XI Racing, might miss a race this month to be present for the birth of his second child. Wallace and his wife Amanda are expecting a baby girl, and the team is preparing for the possibility that he will not compete in the March 21 Sport Clips Haircuts 200 at Darlington Raceway.
Wallace and Amanda already have a son, Becks Hayden Wallace, born in September 2024. That joyful occasion brought a positive influence to Wallace’s life, especially after a season in which he missed the playoffs. The couple now looks forward to expanding their family further.
Strong Season Start and Support From 23XI Racing
23XI Racing has entered the 2025 NASCAR season in strong form, led by Tyler Reddick, who has won the first three races at Daytona, Atlanta, and COTA. Meanwhile, Wallace has been a consistent competitor, narrowly missing victories in the initial events and securing finishes of 10th, 8th, and 11th, placing him second in the championship standings behind Reddick by 70 points.
Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and a rival on the track, has observed positive changes in Wallace since becoming a father himself. Wallace’s win at the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis last season with his wife and son in victory lane showcased his growth as both a driver and a family man.
Plans in Place for Wallace’s Possible Race Absence
The timing of the Darlington race coincides closely with Amanda Wallace’s expected due date, causing the team to prepare contingencies in case Wallace leaves the event early or misses it entirely. Freddie Kraft, Wallace’s spotter, discussed the situation on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, acknowledging the likelihood that Wallace will miss at least one race to support his family.
“He’s gonna have a baby here in the next month. We’re making plans for him probably missing a race if he has to,”
Kraft said.
Kraft explained that 23XI Racing has three plans in place, with Corey Heim likely to substitute for Wallace if the need arises. The team must remain flexible and ready to adjust cockpit preparations quickly in response to the timing of labor and race schedules.
“So, if he has to leave Darlington in a hurry, it’s gonna be somebody else.”
Past Experience with Standby Drivers at 23XI
Wallace has made it clear he will not repeat missing a child’s birth as he did with Becks. The team’s readiness to deploy emergency substitutions is not unprecedented. For example, Ryan Truex was on standby at the Atlanta race to replace Tyler Reddick, who was feeling unwell ahead of that event. Kraft confirmed this planning approach:
“Truex was there last week cuz Tyler was not feeling well before the Atlanta race. So he was there in case,”
Kraft revealed.
These preparations highlight the team’s dedication to balancing competitive performance with their drivers’ personal lives during critical moments.
Significance and Future Outlook for 23XI Racing
Wallace’s potential absence at Darlington could test 23XI Racing’s depth, especially as they challenge for the NASCAR Cup Series championship this season. With Tyler Reddick leading the points and Wallace in close pursuit, the team’s ability to adapt quickly to unforeseen circumstances may prove crucial.
As Wallace prioritizes being present for his growing family, 23XI’s preparations for a backup driver ensure the team remains competitive. The decisions made during this period will reflect on the balance between driver commitments on and off the track.
