“Burnt Out” Bubba Wallace Makes an 8-Word Confession About His Early Struggles With Weight While Emphasizing the Physicality Component in NASCAR

When it comes to competing in the high-stakes world of the Cup Series, there is a lot that goes on but doesn’t meet the eye. While racing against the best of the best, the only thing that comes in handy is the perfect mind–body coordination. However mentally strong one may be, one also needs to be physically fit to rev that engine, steer that wheel, and slam those breaks. And Bubba Wallace has a few things to say about it.

Clearly, race cars are power monsters, and working out can help drivers withstand high g-forces while turning and brave high-impact contacts. Moreover, physical exercise can enhance the overall driving ability as it can help with driving-related movements and sharpen drivers’ focus.

Last week, 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace shared that he had to accept the reality and start working out because of his recent experiences.

Bubba Wallace confesses his struggles with being out of shape

During his recent appearance on the LeBatard Show, Wallace talked about the physical component that many people don’t usually equate with racing. While sharing his issues with working out, he said, “It’s tough because for years … I guess 2017, I was pretty cut up and ripped. I was doing it two days back in high school like just doing it by myself and then I got burnt out.”

However, he revealed that racing over the years had helped him stay in shape. But unfortunately, things came crashing down in 2017. He said, “Then in 2017 where sponsorship slowed down, I was out of a ride, life slowed down. I started to add on some weight.”

While opening up on his struggles, Wallace confessed, “Then it seemed like one or two pounds would gain a year. And just barely, and you’re like, ‘Man!'”

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Bubba Wallace’s physical struggles even led to medical complications

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Sharing how the lack of a proper workout routine impacted his physical well-being, Wallace said, “So, then, this year I’m confident that we’re gonna have a great year and it was actually like ‘I’m the most out of shape that I’ve been.’

“And I’ve had back problems after almost every race. And I just go see a physical therapist and they’re like ‘Yeah! If you work out it’d be better.’

“And I’m like ‘Haha! Good one.'”

However, later in the conversation, the #23 Toyota Camry driver did admit that exercise does help with back problems and other issues. He revealed that core workouts and back-strengthening exercises have helped him strengthen his muscles, thus reducing the stress experienced by them.

“It’s like I got out after one race actually this past weekend and I text my physical therapist ‘Hey! I’ll see you tomorrow.’ And I was dying at that time. And then an hour later I was like ‘Oh! I am fine.’ And she was like, ‘ Working out is a magical thing.’ And I am like, ‘Nah! I’m not blaming it.’ [laughs]”

Apart from his struggles with weight and the complications that arise because of being out of shape, Bubba Wallace has been vocal about his issues with mental health. Sharing his journey through depression, Wallace has never shied away from expressing his true and raw emotions.

READ MORE: Bubba Wallace Came Clean On Public Meltdown in Kansas After Period of Depression in Poignant Tell-All Interview in 2020