Bubba Wallace recently shared insights into his improved performance on the track and the unexpected role his retirement from social media played in it.

Wallace retired from social media platforms after the Pocono race, while also experiencing a noticeable improvement in his performance.

Over the past six weeks, Wallace has shown significant progress on the track, posting two top-10 and two top-5 finishes despite a disappointing DNF in New Hampshire.

Despite setbacks such as an accident in Michigan that dropped him to 26th place, Wallace has had 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.

Bubba Wallace
Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 23 Columbia Sportswear Company Toyota, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on August 23, 2024 in Daytona Beach, Florida….


James Gilbert/Getty Images

“Oh, it was so nice, it was so nice. Just being immersed in other people’s lives and comparing to them. Man, I want to… Aside from the toxic comments, you know, social media is just too much sometimes. I miss the photography side of it, you know, posting all that stuff, but it’s just so much better for the psyche. YouTube is my best friend.”

Wallace made his decision after admitting that he was struggling with mental health issues and faced mixed reactions from the public.

Looking ahead, Wallace has crucial races ahead at Daytona and Darlington that will be crucial to securing a coveted playoff spot. With him just one point away from the playoff line, every race and every lap counts more than ever. In addition, his rivals Chris Buescher and Ross Chastain are hot on his heels.

NASCAR Cup Series: Current status

(At the time of writing, before the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway)

  1. Tyler Reddick – 814 points
  2. Chase Elliott – 804 points
  3. Kyle Larson – 782 points
  4. Ryan Blaney – 732 points
  5. William Byron – 728 points
  6. Denny Hamlin – 711 points
  7. Christopher Bell – 703 points
  8. Martin Truex Jr. – 682 points
  9. Brad Keselowski – 677 points
  10. Ty Gibbs – 644 points
  11. Alex Bowman – 627 points
  12. Chris Buescher – 621 points
  13. Ross Chastain – 606 points
  14. Bubba Wallace – 605 points
  15. Joey Logano – 561 points
  16. Daniel Suárez – 526 points
  17. Kyle Busch – 513 points
  18. Chase Briscoe – 491 points
  19. Austin Cindric – 460 points
  20. Todd Gilliland – 455 points
  21. Michael McDowell – 449 points
  22. Carson Hocevar – 441 points
  23. Josh Berry – 427 points
  24. Noah Gragson – 425 points
  25. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – 400 points
  26. Ryan Preece – 367 points
  27. Erik Jones – 361 points
  28. Justin Haley – 346 points
  29. Austin Dillon – 345 points
  30. Daniel Hemric – 337 points
  31. Corey LaJoie – 332 points
  32. John H. Nemechek – 321 points
  33. Zane Smith – 292 points
  34. Harrison Burton – 266 points
  35. Kaz Grala – 166 points
  36. Cody Ware – 65 points
  37. Joey Hand – 43 points
  38. Jimmie Johnson – 39 points
  39. Derek Kraus – 32 points
  40. David Ragan – 17 points
  41. Kamui Kobayashi – 8 points
  42. Will Brown – 6 points
  43. Cam Waters – 2 points