Bubba Wallace has a new co-pilot for the 2025 NASCAR season: his three-month-old son, Becks Hayden Wallace. The 23XI Racing driver, who once hinted at stepping away from racing as he embarked on fatherhood, now finds inspiration in his new role as a dad. With Becks on his mind and even on his helmet, Wallace is ready to turn his Daytona near-misses into a victory.
A legacy of near-misses at Daytona
Wallace has shown remarkable consistency at Daytona International Speedway, with three top-five finishes to his name. He came tantalizingly close to victory in both the 2018 and 2022 Daytona 500s, finishing second, and secured a strong fifth-place finish in 2024.
As Daniel Céspedes recently highlighted on X, Wallace’s career top-five percentage at Daytona—33.3%—ranks among the best for active drivers. While he hasn’t yet claimed victory, his ability to navigate super-speedway chaos with clever strategy and tenacity has made him one of the track’s top contenders.
Fatherhood as motivation
Wallace’s priorities began to shift in late 2024 with the birth of his son, Becks. Initially, the NASCAR star questioned how his new role as a father might impact his racing career. “Things are gonna change,” Wallace said at the time, hinting that racing might take a backseat to family life.
But instead of stepping away, Wallace has found a deeper well of inspiration. Every helmet he’ll wear this season features a unique Becks-themed design, symbolizing that his son is always with him on the track. “Got little man riding with us on all our helmets this year 👣🥹,” Wallace shared in a heartfelt X post.
Wallace’s renewed focus is about more than just racing. He wants to set an example for Becks and others in the NASCAR community. “Fatherhood has given him a new perspective,” one insider shared. “He’s more determined than ever—not just for himself, but for his son.”
The road to the 2025 Daytona 500
As Wallace gears up for the 2025 Daytona 500 on February 16, he’s coming off one of the most consistent super-speedway records in NASCAR. While the Daytona 500 has eluded him so far, his determination, paired with a sharp sense of strategy, could finally deliver the win that’s been just out of reach.
Having Becks as his silent motivator adds a new layer to Wallace’s story. “He’s racing with purpose,” a team source noted. “Every lap, every decision, it’s all for Becks now.”
A role model on and off the track
Wallace’s journey into fatherhood has also elevated his status as a role model in the NASCAR community. Known for his resilience, outspoken nature, and advocacy for inclusion, Wallace now embodies another relatable role: a working parent balancing family and professional goals.
Whether or not Wallace secures his first Daytona 500 victory this year, his story of blending fatherhood with racing is already inspiring fans. With Becks figuratively riding along, Wallace’s 2025 campaign promises to be one of his most meaningful yet.