In a powerful and emotional revelation, NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace opened up about a personal battle that nearly pushed him out of the sport entirely. Reflecting on one of the darkest chapters of his life, Wallace admitted, “I wasn’t crazy – but they thought I was!” His words shed light on the mental health struggles he faced behind the scenes, which had grown so overwhelming that he considered walking away from racing for good.
Wallace explained how he hit a breaking point—what he described as “rock bottom”—when the pressure, criticism, and emotional toll of being in the public eye became too much to bear. As one of NASCAR’s few Black drivers, Wallace has long shouldered unique challenges and scrutiny, and at times, it pushed him to a mental edge few truly understood. Despite his efforts to stay focused on racing, the internal weight became suffocating, and many around him misread his emotional distress as instability.
However, instead of giving up, Wallace used that low point as a turning moment. With support from close friends, family, and key members of the NASCAR community, he channeled his pain into purpose. This transformation not only renewed his personal strength, but it also played a crucial role in the rapid rise of 23XI Racing—a team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. Wallace’s emotional growth helped him become a stronger competitor and a more grounded leader.
His honesty in sharing this journey has resonated with fans, inspiring others who may also struggle silently. Today, Wallace stands as proof that vulnerability can lead to resilience, and that rising from the lowest moments can lead to the most unexpected triumphs.
