Bubba Wallace isn’t just a NASCAR driver—he’s a trailblazer. As the only full-time African American competitor in the Cup Series, his journey combines historic milestones, advocacy, and raw talent.
Let’s dive into the numbers and stories that define this motorsports icon.
Bubba Wallace’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. |
| Nickname | Bubba |
| Born | October 8, 1993 (Mobile, Alabama, USA) |
| Age | 31 years old |
| College | Northwest Florida State College (Associate Degree in Liberal Arts) |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’1” (185 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2010 (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East) |
| Net Worth | $4 million |
| Salary | $2.2 million (estimated) |
| Spouse | Amanda Carter (married December 31, 2022) |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | Becks Hayden Wallace (born September 29, 2024) |
| Instagram Profile | @bubbawallace (501K followers) |
Bubba Wallace is a trailblazing NASCAR driver known for breaking barriers as the only full-time African American competitor in the Cup Series.
Beyond racing, he advocates for diversity in motorsports and mental health awareness.
Early Career
Bubba Wallace started racing at age 9 in Bandolero and Legends cars, quickly dominating youth circuits. By 2005, he won 35 races in a single season.
He joined NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program in 2010, later signing with Rev Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing’s developmental team.
His breakthrough came in the Craftsman Truck Series, where he became the first Black driver since Wendell Scott (1963) to win a NASCAR national series race in 2013.
Professional Career
Wallace debuted in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2017 with Richard Petty Motorsports, finishing 2nd at the Daytona 500 in 2018.
In 2021, he joined 23XI Racing (co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin), securing his first Cup victory at Talladega Superspeedway.
His 2022 Kansas win solidified his status as a rising star. Wallace has also pushed for inclusivity, notably advocating for NASCAR’s Confederate flag ban in 2020.
Wife
Bubba Wallace married longtime girlfriend Amanda Carter on New Year’s Eve 2022. The couple, who reconnected in 2016 after initially meeting in high school, welcomed their first child, son Becks Hayden, in September 2024.
Bubba Wallace’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Bubba Wallace’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million, bolstered by his $2.2 million annual salary, race winnings, and sponsorships. His financial growth reflects his rising prominence in NASCAR.
Contract
In September 2024, Wallace signed a multi-year contract extension with 23XI Racing, securing his place in the No. 23 Toyota through at least 2026. The deal highlights the team’s confidence in his leadership and performance.
Career Earnings
| Year | Series | Earnings (Estimated) | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | NASCAR Cup Series | $2.5 million | First Cup win (Talladega) |
| 2022 | NASCAR Cup Series | $3.1 million | Kansas victory, 10th in standings |
| 2023 | NASCAR Cup Series | $3.8 million | Playoff debut, 10th-place finish |
| 2024 | NASCAR Cup Series | $4.2 million | 14 Top-10 finishes, contract extension |
| Total | $13.6 million | – |
Endorsements
- Columbia Sportswear
- DoorDash
- McDonald’s
- Leidos
- U.S. Air Force
- Beats by Dre
- Dr Pepper
- MoneyLion
- Toyota
- Xfinity
Career Stats
| Race | Year | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Talladega Superspeedway | 2021 | Kyle Larson | 1st (Rain-shortened) |
| Kansas Speedway | 2022 | Denny Hamlin | 1st |
| Daytona 500 | 2018 | Austin Dillon | 2nd |
| Martinsville Speedway | 2013 | Ron Hornaday Jr. | 1st (Truck Series) |
FAQs
1. Who is Bubba Wallace?
Bubba Wallace (William Darrell Wallace Jr.) is a professional NASCAR Cup Series driver for 23XI Racing, competing in the No. 23 Toyota. Born October 8, 1993, in Mobile, Alabama, he is the only full-time African American driver in NASCAR’s top series and the second Black driver to win a Cup Series race since Wendell Scott in 1963.
2. What are Bubba Wallace’s career highlights?
Wallace won his first NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway in 2021 and earned his second victory at Kansas Speedway in 2022. He holds the record for the highest Daytona 500 finish by an African American driver (2nd in 2018 and 2022) and became the first Black driver to win a NASCAR Truck Series race in 2013.
3. Which teams has Bubba Wallace driven for?
He began his Cup career with Richard Petty Motorsports (2018–2020) before joining 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, in 2021. Earlier, he raced for Joe Gibbs Racing and Kyle Busch Motorsports in developmental series.
4. How has Bubba Wallace addressed racism in NASCAR?
Wallace successfully campaigned to ban Confederate flags at NASCAR events in 2020. In 2023, a racist slur was directed at him via team radio, prompting an investigation. He has been vocal about fostering inclusivity and combating discrimination in motorsports.
5. What is Bubba Wallace’s personal life like?
He married Amanda Carter in 2022 after meeting in high school. The couple welcomed their first child, Becks, in September 2024. Wallace has openly discussed battling depression and advocates for mental health awareness.
6. What impact has Bubba Wallace had on NASCAR diversity?
As NASCAR’s only full-time Black Cup Series driver, Wallace has championed diversity initiatives, including NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program. His activism has reshaped the sport’s cultural policies and inspired broader inclusion efforts.
7. How did Bubba Wallace start his racing career?
He began racing Bandolero cars at age nine, winning 35 races by age 12. Wallace joined NASCAR’s K&N Pro Series East in 2010, earning Rookie of the Year honors, and later advanced to the Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series.
8. What controversies has Bubba Wallace faced?
In 2020, a noose was found in his Talladega garage stall, later deemed not racially targeted by the FBI. Wallace also drew attention for criticizing NASCAR’s handling of racial issues and advocating for policy changes.
9. Who is Bubba Wallace’s current crew chief?
In 2025, Wallace began working with new crew chief Charles Denike at 23XI Racing, aiming to improve consistency and compete for championships. Denike previously won in the Truck Series.
10. What are Bubba Wallace’s goals for the 2025 season?
Wallace aims to secure multiple wins, make the playoffs, and contend for the championship with 23XI Racing. He emphasized a renewed focus on teamwork and adaptability under his new crew chief.
