Pocono in July 2024 was an instrumental point in Bubba Wallace‘s season. The 23XI racer finished 10th in the race after a slow and dilapidated start. It was his second top-10 finish in about three weeks. A return to the usual rhythm for the 30-year-old, but not enough. Bubba Wallace needed more from himself. It is at this point that Wallace made a critical decision. One with severe consequences in the short term but with the potential of allowing him to bring back his form and return to winning ways.
It was with this background that Wallace decided to stop using social media. Wallace realized that his mental health was taking a toll on his physical well-being and impeding his performances on the racetrack. Fast forward to August, 1 month after the decision, and Bubba Wallace looks like a changed man. So, what changed? Why and how did social media harm him?
Bubba Wallace reveals the reason behind his departure from Social Media
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Bubba Wallace has significantly improved his performance recently. He currently sits in the 17th spot with 587 points, just one rank behind the playoff spot. Wallace is in the playoffs mix, with two races left in the regular season. The 23XI racer would want to outperform others in Daytona and Darlington and join his teammate Tyler Reddick. His exit from social media has proven to be a blessing for his cup series season. Wallace is now a regular top-5 or top-10 finisher in the cup series.
Wallace has himself revealed the reason for the same. Talking to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, the 30-year-old had this to say, “Oh, it’s been so nice, yeah it’s been so nice. Caught up in other people’s lives and just start comparing like man I want it’s just aside from the toxic comments, social media is just like a lot. Sometimes I do miss like the photography side of it, you know, personal that stuff. But it’s just way better for the mental health. YouTube is my best friend.”
Bubba Wallace said since Pocono in July, he has pretty much avoided social media. Pic.twitter.com/C7WwOWrVpR.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 23, 2024
Bubba is not the first racer to move away from social media. The Hendrick Motorsports no.9, Chase Elliott, has also been away from the world of social media for a while now. Chase finds social media to be a distraction and has distanced himself from using social media platforms. This has drastically improved his focus on the races, especially, when the Cup Series season is still underway.
Despite going inactive on other social media platforms, Bubba has a lively presence on YouTube. The 30-year-old has a YouTube channel where he lets fans take a peek at behind-the-scene footage, race highlights, insights, and content related to his personal life. Apart from that, his wife, Amanda Wallace, is active on all social media platforms. She has previously shared some of the couple’s private moments and has also taken the liberty to express her thoughts on key Bubba Wallace moments in races.
The time is just right for Bubba Wallace to carve a space for himself in the playoffs. Something which has been a mission of sorts for the 23XI racer. After all, it was only after he saw himself trailing in the playoff battle that Bubba Wallace decided to bid farewell to the world of social media.
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Can we see a Bubba Wallace magic in Daytona?
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With just two races remaining in the regular season, the chances of securing a playoff spot remain limited for Bubba Wallace. Two convincing performances from the 30-year-old can ensure the desired result for Wallace. But, it’s the return to winning ways that can ensure a return to his usual racing intensity for the playoffs. Wallace’s last win in the cup series was the Hollywood Casino 400 at the Kansas Speedway in 2022. He is currently on a 52-race winless streak! Something that looks out of character for the talent he has.
That said, Bubba Wallace’s record at the Daytona International Speedway has been impressive. The 23XI racer has secured a runner-up finish at the venue twice, first in 2018, and then, in 2022. His previous performance this season at Daytona was also a fifth-place finish. The only thing lacking in Wallace’s racing record at the historic venue is a win. Only time will tell if now is the time for the 30-year-old to add to his achievements.
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What are your thoughts on Bubba Wallace’s quiet life without social media? Do you think it will help him qualify for the playoffs this season? Do let us know in the comments.
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