The NASCAR playoffs are fast approaching, and with them, the usual mix of excitement and heartbreak for drivers and fans alike. One driver who finds himself below the playoff cutline is Bubba Wallace, currently trailing by 21 points after Harrison Burton’s victory at Daytona last weekend.
Although Wallace’s chances of making the playoffs are looking slim, he has something else to look forward to off the track—something much more personal and meaningful. Bubba Wallace and his wife Amanda are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child, a development that is bringing both joy and a bit of anxiety into their lives.
Wallace and Amanda are now almost five months along in their pregnancy, and as the due date approaches, things are getting more intense. Amanda has started feeling the baby’s movements, which has heightened the emotions in their household. Bubba recently shared his feelings about this life-changing event, admitting that the experience has been both exciting and nerve-wracking for him.
The NASCAR community has seen its share of heartwarming moments lately, particularly during the recent Olympic break. One notable event was the wedding of Wallace’s teammate, Tyler Reddick, who married Alexa DeLeon in a quiet ceremony. Bubba and Amanda attended the wedding and were pictured looking regal as they celebrated their friend’s big day. However, Wallace had to miss another significant event, Daniel Suarez’s wedding in Brazil. The reason was understandable—Amanda was in the later stages of her pregnancy, and such a long flight could have posed risks.
Bubba recently opened up about the emotions surrounding his wife’s pregnancy on the Dale Jr. Download podcast. He revealed that while he has tried to stay calm and collected, the physical and emotional changes Amanda is experiencing have been challenging. “Honestly, I’ve been super calm, cool, and collected about it. Amanda, she has been going through the ups and downs and just the excitement of motherhood for her. Feeling the baby kick…she loves it. She thinks it’s the coolest thing ever,” Wallace said, reflecting on how the experience has impacted both of them.
The couple has not yet revealed the name of their expected child, adding a bit of mystery to the anticipation. Despite his generally calm demeanor, Bubba admitted that Amanda’s recent physical discomforts have made him more anxious. “She’s starting to feel some pain and some pressure in certain areas. And now she’s worried, like, ‘Oh my god. If I do one wrong move, the baby’s coming now.’ She’s overthinking everything. And for me, she’s like…she asked me a couple of weeks ago, ‘Are you excited?’ I’m like, ‘Look, there’s a lot going on right now. I will be excited when the little man is here.’ But imagining whatever…don’t get me wrong, it takes a lot for me to get excited,” Wallace explained.
Yet, despite the challenges, the couple is embracing the journey. Their relationship, which began in their teenage years, has weathered many ups and downs. Bubba and Amanda first met in high school and reconnected in 2015 while Bubba was chasing his racing dreams and Amanda was in college. Their romance officially took off in 2016, and they’ve been through a lot together since then, including adopting their puppy Asher in 2020 and getting married with a unique twist—a champagne toast and a McDonald’s food truck at 1 AM.
Reflecting on their relationship in 2023, Amanda said, “It’s special. We still reminisce or talk about things from the past. We just know so much about each other’s lives from so long ago.” Now, as they prepare to welcome their first child, they’re excited about this new chapter. “We’re both enjoying the process…she’s grown strictly belly, that’s it. Hasn’t put on any other weight anywhere else. It’s crazy…which she says might change in the last couple of weeks. But it’s been awesome to see her grow and enjoy the whole process,” Wallace shared.
As Bubba Wallace gears up for the playoffs, the impending arrival of his baby might just be the motivation he needs to push through and secure a spot. Balancing the excitement of becoming a father with the high stakes of the NASCAR Cup Series could lead to an extraordinary season for him.
