23XI Racing is making contingency plans in case Bubba Wallace cannot compete in an upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race this month, as he and his wife Amanda expect their second child. The replacement strategies for 23XI Racing have become a focus as Wallace aims to prioritize family, which may affect the team’s lineup in March.
Wallace’s Family Grows as Championship Season Unfolds
Bubba Wallace, age 32, and Amanda recently celebrated the birth of their first child, Becks Hayden Wallace, in September 2024. The arrival of Becks brought a positive shift for the 23XI driver, especially after missing the NASCAR playoffs last season. Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI and also Wallace’s Cup Series competitor, has commented that fatherhood has positively impacted Wallace both personally and professionally. Last year, Wallace captured a win at the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis, sharing his moment of victory in Victory Lane with his wife and son.
The 2025 Cup Series has seen 23XI Racing start strong. Tyler Reddick, Wallace’s teammate, has dominated by winning the first three races at Daytona, Atlanta, and Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Meanwhile, Wallace was in contention to claim victory in the opening two races but ultimately secured top positions with 10th, 8th, and 11th-place finishes. Wallace currently sits second in the points standings, trailing Reddick by 70 points and maintaining a competitive edge for the championship.
Plans in Place for Potential Absence
Anticipation is mounting around the March 21 Sport Clips Haircuts 200 at Darlington, which could conflict with Amanda Wallace’s due date. The team’s leadership is actively preparing for possible changes as the need for a 23XI Racing replacement plan becomes increasingly likely. Wallace has communicated his commitment to be present for his baby girl’s birth, emphasizing it after missing the arrival of his first child.
“We’ve made the decision. I unfortunately missed the birth of my first kid; I’m not missing the second one,”
Wallace said. — Bubba Wallace, driver
Inside the Team’s Contingency Strategies
Freddie Kraft, Wallace’s spotter, recently provided insight into how 23XI Racing is addressing the looming possibility of Wallace’s absence. On the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Kraft discussed that team discussions are already underway regarding various replacement options. Kraft indicated that the team has outlined three backup plans, dependent on the timing and circumstances of Amanda’s labor.
“He’s gonna have a baby here in the next month. We’re making plans for him probably missing a race if he has to,”
Kraft said. — Freddie Kraft, Spotter
Kraft explained that if they have advance notice, Corey Heim is the likely candidate to step in, with the team preparing the cockpit for him on short notice. In scenarios where labor commences just hours before a race, an alternative standby driver would assume Wallace’s seat as a last-minute substitute. The precise details depend on how events unfold during the Darlington weekend, which aligns closely with Amanda’s expected due date.
“So, if he has to leave Darlington in a hurry, it’s gonna be somebody else.”
— Freddie Kraft, Spotter
Recent Standbys and Team Readiness
Team flexibility has already been put into practice. During the Atlanta race, Ryan Truex—brother of Martin Truex Jr.—was on standby for Tyler Reddick, who was not feeling well that weekend. This approach demonstrates 23XI’s awareness of the unpredictability in motorsport and family life for its drivers.
“Truex was there last week cuz Tyler was not feeling well before the Atlanta race. So he was there in case,”
Kraft revealed. — Freddie Kraft, Spotter
Looking Ahead: What 23XI Racing Replacement Plans Mean for the Season
As 23XI Racing balances fierce competition with personal milestones for its drivers, its ability to adapt during key moments will be tested. For Wallace, supporting his growing family is a priority, and 23XI’s carefully considered plans reflect the organization’s commitment to its drivers and the championship. The coming weeks will show how these preparations influence the team’s trajectory, with major implications for both Wallace’s career and 23XI Racing’s push in the NASCAR Cup Series.
