The story of Bubba Wallace, the trailblazing NASCAR driver, is deeply intertwined with the support and influence of his family. From his first go-kart race to his historic full-time career in stock car racing, his parents and sibling have been a constant presence, navigating both triumphs and personal challenges alongside him.
The Foundation: Meet Bubba Wallace's Parents
Bubba Wallace was born Darrell Wallace Jr. on 8 October 1993 in Mobile, Alabama, USA, to Desiree Lawrence (formerly Wallace) and Darrell Wallace Sr. His birth to a biracial couple—his mother is Black and his father is White—has been a noted aspect of his identity in a sport with limited diversity. Both parents have been vocal and visible supporters at his races throughout his career.
Despite their eventual separation, their early roles were pivotal in launching his path to becoming the first full-time African-American NASCAR driver since 1971.
Darrell Wallace Sr.: The Racing Mentor
Born on 10 March 1969 in Alabama, Darrell Wallace Sr. (age 56 as of 2025) is an entrepreneur. He is the owner and president of Wallace Industrial Inc., an industrial cleaning and waste management company based in Concord, North Carolina.
His most significant contribution to his son's career came early. When Bubba was nine years old, his father took him to a go-kart race and asked a simple, life-changing question: "Is this something you think you would like to try?" This moment ignited Bubba's passion for racing. For years, Darrell Sr. was the primary figure guiding his son's racing development, especially as Desiree often traveled for their daughter's basketball games.
However, their relationship faced a severe strain. During an interview in October 2019, Bubba revealed that his parents' divorce in 2016 led to a physical altercation with his father that year. "The light switch went off. I got in my truck and went over and fought my dad," he recounted. This event created a rift, though Bubba noted they were working on reconciliation by 2019, stating, "I still love him to death, no matter what."
Desiree Lawrence: The Supportive Social Worker
Bubba's mother, Desiree Gillespie Lawrence, was born on 5 August 1964 in Knoxville, Tennessee (age 61 as of 2025). A graduate of the University of Tennessee, she works as a social worker.
Initially, Desiree was hesitant about her son's dangerous career choice, even though the family were fans of the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. "I wasn't sure if that was what I wanted for Bubba," she admitted. Despite her early reservations, she became one of his most steadfast supporters, frequently seen cheering him on from the pits.
Following her divorce from Darrell Sr., Desiree remarried. She wed Pastor George E. Lawrence on 13 July 2021. He leads New Breed Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.
Bubba Wallace's Sibling: The Source of His Nickname
Bubba Wallace has one full sibling: his older sister, Brittany Gillespie Wallace. Born on 5 May 1988 (age 37 as of 2025), Brittany played college basketball for the South Carolina State University Lady Bulldogs, majoring in criminal justice.
Her most famous contribution to her brother's life happened when he was just five years old: she gave him the nickname "Bubba." This moniker stuck and became essential for distinguishing him from his father, Darrell Wallace Sr.
Both of Bubba's parents have remarried, creating a blended family with half-siblings, though details about these half-siblings have not been publicly disclosed.
Family Legacy and Lasting Impact
The journey of Bubba Wallace underscores how family can both launch a dream and navigate complex personal dynamics. The early encouragement from his father and the unwavering support from his mother provided the foundation for his groundbreaking career.
While the family has experienced public challenges, including the parents' divorce and the subsequent strain between father and son, they remain a central part of his narrative. Today, Bubba is building his own family, having married Amanda Carter on New Year's Eve 2022 and welcoming their first son, Becks Hayden Wallace, in September 2024.
The story of Desiree, Darrell Sr., and Brittany Wallace is a testament to the powerful, sometimes complicated, role family plays in shaping a champion against the odds.
