The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
HomeSportsNASCARBubba Wallace
Sports • NASCAR

Bubba Wallace

Bubba Wallace is an American professional stock car racing driver who competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for 23XI Racing.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bubba Wallace is an American professional stock car racing driver who competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for 23XI Racing. Born William Darrell Wallace Jr. in Mobile, Alabama, he is one of the most prominent Black drivers in NASCAR history and has set several diversity-related milestones in the sport.

Early life and background

Bubba Wallace was born in Mobile, Alabama, and later moved with his family to Concord, North Carolina, as a child. His full name is William Darrell Wallace Jr., and he is widely known by his nickname, Bubba.

NASCAR career

Wallace began racing in NASCAR’s national series in the 2010s and rose through the Truck Series and Cup Series. He became a full-time Cup Series driver in 2018 and has driven for both Richard Petty Motorsports and 23XI Racing.

Milestones and records

Wallace has achieved several historic firsts for Black drivers in NASCAR. These include his 2014 Truck Series win, his 2021 Cup Series victory at Talladega, and his status as one of the sport’s most visible Black competitors.

Public profile

Wallace has also been a prominent figure in NASCAR’s diversity and inclusion efforts. Sources note his role in the sport’s broader conversations about representation and the banning of the Confederate flag at NASCAR events.

Key facts

  • Bubba Wallace is a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver for 23XI Racing.
  • He became the first African-American to win in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2014.
  • Wallace won the 2021 Cup Series race at Talladega, the first Black driver to win a Cup race since Wendell Scott in 1963.
  • He finished second in the Daytona 500 in 2018 and 2022, the highest finish by an African-American in the race.
  • Wallace won the 2025 Brickyard 400 and The Duel at Daytona in 2025.
🍁
Canadian context

Wallace’s career is relevant to Canadian motorsport fans through NASCAR’s international following and Cup Series coverage in Canada, where his milestones and high-profile role in the sport have drawn broad attention.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Bubba Wallace?
Bubba Wallace is an American NASCAR driver who races full-time in the Cup Series for 23XI Racing.
What is Bubba Wallace’s real name?
His birth name is William Darrell Wallace Jr.
Where was Bubba Wallace born?
He was born in Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
What is Bubba Wallace known for?
He is known for becoming the first African-American winner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the first Black Cup winner since Wendell Scott.
What team does Bubba Wallace drive for?
He drives the No. 23 Toyota for 23XI Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Has Bubba Wallace won in the Cup Series?
Yes. He won at Talladega in 2021 and later won the 2025 Brickyard 400.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubba_Wallace
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, and listed achievements including Truck Series and 2025 wins.
  2. 23XI Racinghttps://www.23xiracing.com/bubba-wallace
    Supports: Current team, car number, and Cup Series participation.
  3. Bubba Wallace Official Sitehttps://www.bubbawallace.com/
    Supports: Biography, Truck Series win history, Cup Series milestone, and diversity-related profile.
  4. AL.comhttps://www.al.com/sports/2020/06/who-is-bubba-wallace-5-things-to-know-about-the-nascar-driver.html
    Supports: Birthplace and basic biographical details.
  5. Los Angeles Timeshttps://www.latimes.com/sports/more/la-sp-daytona-bubba-wallace-20190214-story.html
    Supports: Daytona 500 second-place finish and highest finish by an African-American in the race.
  6. Motor Racing Networkhttps://www.mrn.com/2018/01/01/darrell-wallace-jr-driver-bio/
    Supports: Birthdate, hometown, Cup debut, and early career statistics.
  7. Encyclopedia of Alabamahttps://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/wallace-william-darrell-bubba-jr/
    Supports: Career overview, 2021 Talladega win, and historical significance.