INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Bubba Wallace spent three long years questioning everything about his racing world.
During a 100-race winless streak, he saw teammate Tyler Reddick win five times and post three top 10 finishes in NASCAR’s final standings. Wallace also watched team co-owner Denny Hamlin make regular trips to victory lane while still chasing his elusive Cup title.
The drought forced Wallace to contemplate what was wrong and whether he’d continue to be employed in racing — until he realized there was more to life than racing. Sunday’s life-changing Brickyard 400 title only reinforced that notion.
“When Amanda and I first started dating, I was like ‘Hey, racing everything, right?’ I knew I made a mistake saying that,” Wallace said, referring to his wife Sunday night. “It took me all these years to realize this isn’t always going to be here. So I think it’s better to enjoy moments like this, but nothing can overcome the joyful times you have with your family.”
Those aren’t just empty words, either.