Bubba Wallace, driver for 23XI Racing, has announced he will miss a NASCAR race to attend the birth of his second child. After missing the birth of his son Becks Hayden in 2024 due to a race conflict at Kansas Speedway, Wallace is prioritizing family over racing for this upcoming event in 2026.
Wallace Reflects on Missing First Child’s Birth and Plans Ahead
Wallace shared his experience on the Teardown podcast, recalling how he was not present for the birth of his first son, Becks Hayden, who was born on September 29, 2024. The NASCAR Cup Series driver had raced that day, finishing 17th after qualifying 13th for the 267-lap Kansas Speedway event. At the time, Wallace accepted missing the birth as part of his commitment to racing.
However, for his second child, Wallace is making a firm decision to be present. He revealed he has arranged for a substitute driver to take over his #23 Toyota for at least one race in March to ensure he does not miss the moment. Explaining his decision, Wallace said:
“We’ve made the decision. I unfortunately missed the birth of my first kid; I’m not missing the second one. It was actually Amanda’s call on the first one. She was like, ‘Winning is so important. I don’t see a scenario where you’re not missing him, unless he came on like a Wednesday, but Becks is an asshole and came on Sunday at two o’clock. But that was her call.”
“This go-around,” I said, “I’m not missing another one.” People that don’t know that I missed ask, ‘Well, how did you do in the emergency room?’ I’m like, ‘I wasn’t there,’ and then you see their look on their faces, they’re like, ‘Oh,’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, I was racing,’ and I don’t want to do that. “It’s fine. I lost the race that day. It’s okay. I can get another race next week. I don’t get another kid. I will be missing a race if it comes down to that, and that’s it, final,” he added.
Recent Highlights Leading up to Daytona 500
In anticipation of the 2026 Daytona 500, scheduled for February 15 at Daytona International Speedway, Wallace recently appeared in a Toyota commercial aired during Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. The driver also expressed admiration for Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny’s halftime show performance during the event.
23XI Racing Secures Sponsorship and Legal Victory for 2026
Prior to the Daytona 500 season opener, 23XI Racing resolved a year-long antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, regaining its charters for the 2026 Cup Series season. The team then announced renewed sponsorship commitments involving Bubba Wallace and his teammates.
Wallace will compete in the 500-mile race behind the wheel of the #23 Toyota Camry XSE, supported by Xfinity as a sponsor. His teammate Corey Heim will pilot the Robinhood-backed Toyota, while Tyler Reddick returns with his Chumba Casino Camry, and Riley Herbst drives the #35 Monster Energy entry.
Steve Quirk, Chief Brokerage Officer at Robinhood Markets, commented on the partnership:
“Building on the momentum of last year, this renewed partnership reflects the strong foundation we’ve created together,” said Steve Quirk, Chief Brokerage Officer at Robinhood Markets. “We’re proud to support Bubba Wallace, Corey Heim, and the entire 23XI team as they compete this season and bring the Robinhood brand to life on track.”
Wallace’s career highlights at Daytona include his first race in 2018 with Richard Petty Motorsports and a runner-up finish in 2021 during his second season with 23XI Racing. The 2026 Daytona 500 race will begin at 2:30 p.m. ET on February 15.
Implications for Wallace and 23XI Racing’s Future
Bubba Wallace’s decision to miss a race to be with his family underscores the personal sacrifices athletes face balancing their careers and personal lives. His willingness to sit out a competition to witness a milestone event reflects a broader shift in priorities for professional athletes.
For 23XI Racing, the stable of strong sponsorships and legal clarity entering the 2026 season bolsters the team’s competitive prospects. The blend of experienced drivers like Wallace, along with promising teammates Corey Heim, Tyler Reddick, and Riley Herbst, positions the team as a formidable contender in the Cup Series.
As the 2026 season unfolds, fans will watch with interest how Wallace’s personal choices and team dynamics influence both his performance on the track and his role within the sport’s evolving culture.
"I'm not missing the second one"
Bubba's decision is clear: If it's race day, Bubba will still be there to witness the birth of his second child. pic.twitter.com/OgC22sEfNS
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) February 13, 2026
