When NBA legend Michael Jordan took young NASCAR prodigy, Bubba Wallace, under his wing as a co-owner of 23XI Racing, he knew he wasn’t just nurturing a driver, but a passionate sportsman. Wallace’s dedication extends beyond just showing up at the race track. It’s a commitment that Jordan, a six-time NBA champion, recognizes and fuels by texting Wallace before every race. A seemingly small gesture that has nonetheless caught the public’s eye, embodying Jordan’s hands-on approach to his team and fostering a space for Wallace to redefine his reputation.
In the world of NASCAR, where rivalries and high-speed races are the focus, a moment of genuine kindness can echo like a thunderclap. Bubba Wallace, the driver who has experienced the extreme ups and downs of the sport, recently offered such a moment. A simple interaction reminding fans that beneath the helmet is a man, not just a headline.
Wallace’s past interactions with fans have been varied. From firing back at a heckler at the NASCAR Clash earlier this year with a sharp retort, to casually shrugging off boos, his responses have been as fast-paced as his racing. However, a recent incident on qualification day, March 22, 2025, showcased a different side of Wallace.
The story, shared by Wallace himself, goes like this: “After qualifying I was heading back to my hauler..a father approached me and asked if his daughter could get a photo, I said no problem.. waited for her to walk over but no. She pulls up her camera and snaps a photo OF me… this was badass!! So I had to get a pic with her!” The young fan didn’t go for the typical pose but clicked a candid shot of Wallace, to which he responded with enthusiasm and shared a picture with her.
This interaction is less surprising when one knows that Wallace himself is an avid photographer, with an Instagram account (@bubbawallacephotography) dedicated to his captures. His portfolio ranges from sightseeing in New York with his newborn son to the professional-grade shots taken with his Sony A1, Leica MP, and Leica Q3. Wallace’s softer side is evident when his passion for photography is ignited.
This wasn’t a moment about settling scores or winning debates. It was about acknowledging a young fan in a sincere and playful manner. And it isn’t the first time Wallace has shown this side of him. At an Atlanta event, he signed a fan’s forehead with a smile upon request. But this recent interaction with the young girl and her camera was special, perhaps due to its spontaneity and purity.
Wallace has been an enigmatic figure in NASCAR for years. As the only full-time Black Cup Series driver, he’s had to navigate unique challenges, from breaking barriers to enduring criticism, including the infamous 2020 Talladega noose scandal. Yet, his career also boasts triumphs like the emotional Kansas victory in 2022.
Wallace’s unpredictable nature is part of what keeps him interesting. He can elicit applause one day and headshakes the next. However, it’s the fans’ reactions to these moments that truly tell the story.
Nathan Marlow, a budding NASCAR photographer, expressed how Wallace inspired him to pursue photography within the sport. Another fan recalled Wallace’s kindness towards his children at an Atlanta event. Yet another fan noted that despite his rough exterior, moments like these reveal the real Wallace. The man behind the headlines, who understands what it means to be a child looking up to a hero.
These testimonies have started shifting perceptions within the NASCAR community. As one user put it, “Respect where it’s due—Bubba’s earning it one fan at a time.” Another user noted, “I don’t always root for him, but this? This is why he’s still here.”
This isn’t a redemption arc; Wallace still has his critics and his fiery spirit. But his interaction with the young fan has cracked the hardened image he often portrays. A small girl with a camera changed the narrative, and Wallace embraced it. This moment has the NASCAR community in rare agreement: Bubba Wallace did something worth cheering for.
