Since his entry into the sport, his very presence means that Bubba Wallace has always been about more than racing. Sure, he’s one of the first African American drivers in NASCAR, but what sets him apart is how he uses his platform. From championing diversity to pushing for change in a sport steeped in tradition, Wallace has made it clear that he wants his impact to go beyond the track.

Take his Live to Be Different Foundation, for example. Whether he’s mentoring kids, advocating for equality, or rallying resources for those in need, Bubba makes moves that in some way, shape or form, has real world change. This week was no different, and if you ask his wife Amanda, it’s these moments that make her proudest of her husband.

But what exactly has her glowing this time?

Bubba Wallace spearheads $100K night for a bigger cause

Bubba Wallace has never been one to shy away from making a difference, both on and off the track. His commitment to philanthropy and social causes speaks volumes about the man’s character. Wallace focuses on breaking down barriers and empowering those in underserved communities through his Live to Be Different Foundation. Earlier this week, Amanda and Bubba Wallace joined forces with some big names to host a fundraiser aimed at helping communities in Western North Carolina still reeling from Hurricane Helene. The storm, called the “deadliest in the state’s history” by Governor Roy Cooper, left families and neighborhoods in need of major relief.

The event, a collaboration between Bubba Wallace’s Live to Be Different Foundation, the Kevin Harvick Foundation, Toyota, Logitech, NASCAR, and others, raised over $100,000. The funds are headed straight to the Boys and Girls Club of America, focusing on repair and recovery efforts for the region. Bubba Wallace shared the success of the evening on social media. He wrote, “Extremely proud to share that our Live to Be Different foundation, alongside the generosity of our friends who joined us on Monday, helped raise over $100K to support the Boys and Girls Club of America for Western North Carolina to aid in their repair and relief efforts.”

Amanda, by his side all evening, was glowing with pride. “So proud of my husband and everyone who helped raise money and awareness for the Boys and Girls Club!” she said on her Instagram story. These efforts are a constant source of pride for Mrs. Wallace. Attending the fundraiser with her husband, she witnessed firsthand the passion and sincerity Bubba Wallace brings to his charitable endeavors. Her support has been unwavering, and seeing the positive change he’s bringing to communities has only deepened her admiration.

Amanda has been a steady source of support for Bubba since their high school days. While they didn’t start dating until 2015, their shared history adds a unique layer to their relationship. “We still reminisce or talk about things from the past,” Amanda shared in a 2023 People interview. “We just know so much about each other’s lives from so long ago.”

For the 23XI star, Amanda has been a grounding presence, particularly during challenging times. Open about his struggles with mental health, he reflected on her impact. “I wake up and my wife’s there. She’s like, ‘How are you feeling today?’ And it’s like, one of those days,” he said. “We keep each other on our toes. We play video games together. She’s a massive help. By the time the clock strikes 5 o’clock, I’m good. It just kind of blows over.”

Wallace leads off the track in giving back to the community

Trending

HMS Legend’s Demise Has Emotional Jeff Gordon Echoing Rick Hendrick’s Humble Admission

NASCAR’s Setback Against Michael Jordan Could Potentially Open the Gates for Other Teams to Follow Suit

NASCAR 2025 Schedule: Iconic Short Track Added After 66 Years

Dale Jr’s Iconic Return With $101 Billion Partner, Outshines Kyle Larson & Chase Elliott

Despite Ditching Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver Redeemed by Chevrolet

While Bubba’s work off the track has been nothing short of inspiring, his on-track career is in an interesting place. He just wrapped up the 2024 season 18th in the standings—solid, but not quite where he wants to be. Still, there were plenty of bright spots: six top-five finishes, 14 top-10s, and leading a combined 139 laps. His average finish of just a fraction higher than 15th shows steady improvement, even if the win column stayed empty this year.

Looking ahead, there’s a big shakeup in his corner. Wallace recently signed a contract extension with 23XI Racing, securing his spot in the No. 23 Toyota through 2025. But he’ll be working with a new crew chief—Charles Denike, fresh from the NASCAR Truck Series, who steps in to replace longtime chief Bootie Barker.

Away from the track, Bubba Wallace’s charitable efforts stand out, but he’s not the only NASCAR driver using their platform for good. NASCAR’s biggest names have consistently used their platforms to make a difference. Kyle Larson’s Kyle Larson Foundation focuses on early childhood education, hosting events like the Outlaw Kart Showcase to raise funds for schools and programs in underserved areas. Kevin Harvick’s Kevin Harvick Foundation has been a force for good as well, supporting playground builds, scholarships, and initiatives that inspire children to discover their passions. Meanwhile, Jimmie Johnson’s Jimmie Johnson Foundation has made a lasting impact on K-12 public education through grants and special projects that have touched countless lives.

Other drivers, like Joey Logano and Martin Truex Jr., have also stepped up in meaningful ways. Logano’s Joey Logano Foundation works to empower vulnerable youth with crucial resources and opportunities, while Truex’s foundation champions cancer research and patient support, a deeply personal mission inspired by his late partner, Sherry Pollex. Together, these efforts highlight the charitable spirit of NASCAR’s top stars, proving they’re as committed to giving back as they are to competing on the track.

Whether it’s Bubba Wallace rallying for hurricane relief, Kyle Larson investing in education, or Kevin Harvick creating brighter futures for kids, these drivers show that NASCAR is more than just fast cars and checkered flags.