Standing in the frantic, high-decibel environment of a NASCAR pit road, Amanda Wallace (formerly Amanda Carter) remains a grounding presence for one of the sport’s most talked-about figures. While many fans recognize her as the supportive wife often seen celebrating at the finish line, her story is defined by a significant professional pivot, a commitment to mental health advocacy, and a journey into motherhood that has fundamentally reshaped the trajectory of the 23xi Racing team's lead driver.

Amanda has become a fixture in the racing community, but her influence extends far beyond the grandstands. From her early days as a high-achieving finance professional to her current life as a prolific oil painter and mother, she has navigated the complexities of public life alongside Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr. with a blend of privacy and authenticity.

The Spanish class connection and the long road to dating

The relationship between Amanda and Bubba didn't begin with a typical Hollywood meet-cute. Instead, it started in a high school Spanish class at Northwest Cabarrus High School in North Carolina. At the time, they were just two teenagers with very different academic priorities. Amanda was the studious one, focused on her grades, while Bubba, by his own admission, was more interested in trying to sneak a peek at her exam answers than learning conjugations.

Despite their friendship and a mutual spark, the timing was never quite right during their teenage years. Amanda even attended Bubba’s prom with someone else. They maintained a loose connection after graduation, but it wasn't until 2015—years after they had gone their separate ways for college and early careers—that they truly reconnected. The catalyst was a college football game, followed by a pivotal invitation from Bubba for Amanda to join him at a race in Las Vegas.

That Vegas trip turned out to be the definitive turning point. After a week spent getting to know each other outside the context of high school nostalgia, they officially began dating in 2016. This long history provides a foundation of trust that is rare in the high-pressure world of professional sports. Amanda has noted in past interviews that their shared past allows them to reminisce about a version of themselves that existed before the fame, the Netflix cameras, and the intense scrutiny of the NASCAR Cup Series.

From Bank of America VP to professional artist

One of the most impressive aspects of Amanda Wallace’s profile is her professional evolution. She is not merely a "WAG" (Wives and Girlfriends) in the traditional sense; she possesses a formidable background in finance that commands respect. Amanda graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in banking and finance, a background she quickly put to use in the corporate world.

For over five years, she climbed the ranks at Bank of America in Charlotte, eventually reaching the position of Vice President and Senior Financial Analyst. This period of her life required intense discipline and analytical skills—traits that likely help her manage the logistical whirlwind of a traveling race team. However, in April 2022, Amanda made the bold decision to leave the corporate world to pursue her lifelong passion for art.

Today, she is an established artist specializing in oil paintings. Under her creative persona, "Mandy in the Studio," she shares her work with a growing audience. Her transition from the rigid structure of banking to the fluid, expressive world of fine art mirrors the personal growth she and Bubba have experienced as a couple. Her paintings, often rich in color and texture, provide a stark contrast to the mechanical, high-tech world of stock car racing, offering a glimpse into her personal creative outlet.

The New Year’s Eve wedding and a McDonald's food truck

After five years of dating, Bubba Wallace proposed to Amanda in June 2021 in front of a breathtaking waterfall in Oregon. The wedding that followed on December 31, 2022, was a masterclass in balancing elegance with personality. Held in Charlotte, the event featured 250 guests and a New Year’s Eve countdown that few would forget.

Amanda wore a stunning gown by Madam Burcu, while Bubba opted for a custom suit. However, it was the reception details that truly captured the couple's spirit. Rather than a stiff, formal dinner, they opted for a cocktail-style event with various tapas bars, ensuring the night felt more like a party than a ceremony. The most talked-about detail remains the 1 a.m. arrival of a McDonald's food truck, which served chicken nuggets and french fries to guests as they rang in the new year. This choice reflected their down-to-earth nature and a desire to keep the celebration fun rather than performative.

Motherhood and the arrival of Becks Hayden Wallace

The 2024 season brought the couple’s most significant milestone yet: the birth of their first child. Becks Hayden Wallace was born on September 29, 2024, just days before Bubba's own birthday. The arrival of Becks has had a visible impact on Bubba’s demeanor both on and off the track.

Throughout 2025 and into the current 2026 season, observers have noted a "dad gear" in Bubba’s racing. He has publicly stated that having a son has changed his perspective on the sport, helping him to handle the "bad days" with more grace. Amanda’s role as a mother has been documented through candid social media updates, showing the reality of raising a toddler while maintaining a presence at the track. From Becks wearing a miniature No. 23 racing suit for Halloween to his first appearances in the infield, the Wallace family has embraced the "racing family" lifestyle wholeheartedly.

Parenting has also introduced a new dynamic to their relationship. Amanda has been the primary anchor at home, balancing her art career with the demands of an infant, while still making appearances at major races to support the 23xi team. The couple also shares their home with Asher, an Australian Shepherd-Poodle mix who has been a part of their lives since 2020.

A pillar of support for mental health

Bubba Wallace has been one of the most vocal athletes in motorsports regarding his struggles with depression and the mental toll of being a high-profile Black driver in a predominantly white sport. In this arena, Amanda’s role is perhaps most vital. Bubba has credited her with being the person who can pull him out of his darkest moments.

During difficult stretches of the season, Amanda provides the emotional stability needed to navigate the highs and lows. Whether it’s playing video games together to decompress after a rough finish or simply being the person he can be vulnerable with, her support is a critical component of his performance. She doesn't just celebrate the wins; she manages the aftermath of the losses, a task that requires immense emotional intelligence.

This support was highlighted in the Netflix docuseries Race: Bubba Wallace, where viewers got a behind-the-scenes look at their relationship. Amanda was shown as a calm, steadying force, helping Bubba process the social and political pressures that came to a head in 2020 and beyond. Her presence in the series helped humanize the driver, showing that behind the fierce competitor is a man who relies heavily on the strength of his partner.

Life in the 2026 NASCAR season

As of April 2026, the Wallaces continue to be one of NASCAR's power couples. With Bubba’s career at 23xi Racing reaching new heights—bolstered by the stability of his personal life—Amanda has found a way to maintain her own identity amidst the noise of the circuit. Her art continues to evolve, with her latest collections reflecting the themes of motherhood and the coastal landscapes of North Carolina.

For fans and observers, Amanda Wallace represents the modern NASCAR spouse: independent, professionally accomplished, and deeply involved in the sport’s community without being overshadowed by it. She has successfully navigated the transition from a private citizen to a public figure, all while keeping her family’s well-being as the top priority.

As Becks grows older and Bubba continues to chase a Cup Series championship, Amanda remains the constant. Whether she’s at the studio in Charlotte or standing on the grid before the engines fire, her influence on the No. 23 team is undeniable. She is the strategist behind the scenes, the artist in the studio, and the heart of the Wallace family home.

In the high-stakes world of professional racing, where every millisecond counts, Amanda Wallace provides the balance that makes the fast life sustainable. Her journey—from a Spanish class in North Carolina to the pinnacle of NASCAR—is a testament to the power of a strong partnership and the importance of maintaining one's own passion, regardless of how fast the world around you is moving.