Bubba Wallace recently shared insights into his improved track performance and the unexpected role that stepping back from social media has played in it.
Wallace’s withdrawal from social media platforms came after the Pocono race, aligning with a noticeable upturn in his performance.
Over the past six weeks, Wallace has shown considerable improvement on the track, clinching two top-10 and two top-5 finishes, despite a disappointing DNF at New Hampshire.
Despite setbacks including a recent wreck in Michigan that relegated him to a 26th-place finish, Wallace maintains a successful season so far. Speaking to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports ahead of the race weekend at Daytona International Speedway, Wallace revealed the mental relief that comes with staying offline.
James Gilbert/Getty Images
“Oh it’s been so nice, it’s been so nice. Just being caught up in other people’s lives and start comparing. Man I want … Just, besides from the toxic comments, you know, social media is just a lot at times. I do miss the photography side of it, you know, posting all that stuff, but it’s just way better for the mental. YouTube is my best friend.”
Wallace’s decision comes amid personal acknowledgments of battling mental health issues and navigating a mixed bag of public reactions.
Looking forward, Wallace faces critical races at Daytona and Darlington, crucial for securing a coveted spot in the playoffs. With only a one-point gap from the playoff cutline, every race and every lap count more than ever. On top of this, his rivals, Chris Buescher and Ross Chastain, are close on his tail.
NASCAR Cup Series: Current Standings
(At the time of writing ahead of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway)
- Tyler Reddick – 814 points
- Chase Elliott – 804 points
- Kyle Larson – 782 points
- Ryan Blaney – 732 points
- William Byron – 728 points
- Denny Hamlin – 711 points
- Christopher Bell – 703 points
- Martin Truex Jr – 682 points
- Brad Keselowski – 677 points
- Ty Gibbs – 644 points
- Alex Bowman – 627 points
- Chris Buescher – 621 points
- Ross Chastain – 606 points
- Bubba Wallace – 605 points
- Joey Logano – 561 points
- Daniel Suárez – 526 points
- Kyle Busch – 513 points
- Chase Briscoe – 491 points
- Austin Cindric – 460 points
- Todd Gilliland – 455 points
- Michael McDowell – 449 points
- Carson Hocevar – 441 points
- Josh Berry – 427 points
- Noah Gragson – 425 points
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr – 400 points
- Ryan Preece – 367 points
- Erik Jones – 361 points
- Justin Haley – 346 points
- Austin Dillon – 345 points
- Daniel Hemric – 337 points
- Corey LaJoie – 332 points
- John H. Nemechek – 321 points
- Zane Smith – 292 points
- Harrison Burton – 266 points
- Kaz Grala – 166 points
- Cody Ware – 65 points
- Joey Hand – 43 points
- Jimmie Johnson – 39 points
- Derek Kraus – 32 points
- David Ragan – 17 points
- Kamui Kobayashi – 8 points
- Will Brown – 6 points
- Cam Waters – 2 points