During a recent interview, Brad Keselowski and Bubba Wallace gave insight into what drives them in the world of stock car racing, shedding light on their personal motivations and family influences. Their reflections come at a pivotal time, as Wallace’s recent Bubba Wallace NASCAR victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway marked a turning point in his career, while Keselowski continues to race with strong family values in mind.
Insights From the 12 Questions Podcast: Family, Racing, and Motivation
In last week’s episode of The Athletic’s 12 Questions Podcast, host Jeff Gluck engaged Bubba Wallace, driver for 23XI Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, in a candid conversation about racing and personal drive. As part of the show’s format, Wallace crafted a question for the next guest, Brad Keselowski—who not only pilots the No. 6 car for RFK Racing but also serves as the team’s owner. Wallace’s inquiry was direct, probing why Keselowski chooses to keep racing despite possessing a championship title, a thriving family, and a successful team ownership role.
Keselowski responded on the podcast, emphasizing his desire to experience triumph with his family present, drawing on his own memories of celebrating alongside his father in victory lane.
“If there’s something I dream about that inspires me, it’s being in victory lane with my kids,” Keselowski explained. “I remember being in victory lane when I was a kid with my dad and what that moment felt like, and I really want that for my kids.”
“My kids are just now getting old enough to watch the races and kind of understand what’s happening, which can be fun when you have a good day — not so fun when you have a bad day. But I want my kids growing up to see me as a winner. That’s super motivating to me,” he added.
Familial influence is a notable theme for both drivers. Bubba Wallace, too, recently became a father, with his son Becks Hayden Wallace soon to celebrate his first birthday. The coming milestone coincides with an important NASCAR playoff event, as the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway is scheduled just a day before his son’s birthday on September 29.
Wallace Advances in Playoffs With Slim Margin
Bubba Wallace’s efforts on the track have kept him in contention for the NASCAR Cup Series title. Wrapping up the Round of 16 by a narrow one-point cushion, Wallace moved on to the next playoff bracket. Meanwhile, fellow 23XI Racing teammate Tyler Reddick, currently 12th in points, sits three points below the advancing threshold. Their next test unfolds at the Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, set for September 21, as the competition intensifies in pursuit of postseason success.
Breaking Through at Indianapolis: Wallace’s Historic Victory
Bubba Wallace’s win at the Brickyard 400 represents a historic milestone—not only for his career but also for NASCAR. With this achievement, Wallace became the first Black driver to win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and it marked the end of a lengthy 100-race winless streak since his prior victory at Kansas Speedway in September 2022. The significance of this Bubba Wallace NASCAR victory lies in both its timing and its resonance, providing him with an automatic berth in the 2025 playoffs.
This recent triumph made Wallace the only 23XI Racing driver to secure a playoff position through a win, underlining the importance of perseverance and growth in the sport.
“I just want to thank everybody behind me right here, all these guys, all these men and women at Airspeed for making this possible,” Bubba Wallace told NBC Sports after the race. “To overcome so much and to put these people here in Victory Lane, that’s what it’s about.”
“It’s about these people that continue to push at me, believe in me. Man, just so proud, and I appreciate all you guys. Unbelievable to win here at the Brickyard knowing how big this race is,” he added.
Wallace led the final 26 laps, extending his command to 30 laps in total, to secure the third victory of his NASCAR Cup career. In the celebrations that followed at victory lane, his wife and son joined him—emphasizing the recurring influence of family. Team owner and fellow driver Denny Hamlin concluded the race in third place, overcoming equipment setbacks earlier in the weekend with a backup car.
The Lasting Impact: What These Moments Mean for NASCAR
The drive to win for family, legacy, and personal accomplishment remains at the heart of both Brad Keselowski and Bubba Wallace’s ongoing stories within NASCAR. Keselowski’s continued presence on the track, guided by his hope to create special memories for his children, reflects the emotional threads common among veteran drivers. Meanwhile, Wallace’s historic Indianapolis win and advance to the playoffs symbolize resilience and evolution within the sport.
As NASCAR’s postseason develops, the effect of these personal motivations will likely shape both competition outcomes and the stories that resonate with fans, highlighting the enduring bond between racing, personal dreams, and family.
