Darrell Wallace Sr. isn’t a name that instantly flashes in neon lights like his son’s.
But behind the meteoric rise of Bubba Wallace, the first African-American driver to compete full-time in NASCAR’s top series, stands a quiet, determined figure—his father, Darrell Wallace Sr.
This article delves into the life of this unsung hero, tracing his journey from construction worker to NASCAR’s most impactful father-son duo.
Who is Bubba Wallace?
William Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr., born on October 8, 1993, drives professionally in stock car racing.
He races full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, steering the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE for 23XI Racing.
Additionally, he competes part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, operating the No. 1 Toyota Tundra for Tricon Garage.
Throughout his participation in NASCAR’s national series (Cup, Xfinity, and Truck), Wallace has consistently been the sole full-time African American driver each year.
He stands out as the only African American driver to secure multiple victories in any of these series, establishing himself as one of the most accomplished African American drivers in NASCAR history.
Darrell Wallace Snr. Biography
Darrell Sr., hailing from Concord, North Carolina, lived a life away from the noise of racing engines. He worked as a blue-collar laborer in construction, dedicating himself to providing for his family.
However, his heart belonged to the world of stock car racing. As a young boy, he envisioned himself racing around the track, feeling the rush of wind through his hair.
Darrell Sr.’s passion for racing wasn’t just a spectator affair. He instilled that love in his son, Darrell Wallace Jr., affectionately known as “Bubba.”
Whether it was go-karts or late models, Darrell Sr. wholeheartedly supported Bubba’s racing dreams.
He put in extra hours at work to finance his son’s equipment and travel. Darrell Sr. took on multiple roles, serving as Bubba’s mechanic, part of the pit crew, and, most importantly, his mentor.
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Darrell Wallace Sr. |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | 10 March 1969 |
| Age | 54 years old (as of January 2024) |
| Place of birth | Alabama, United States |
| Current residence | Concord, North Carolina, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height (in inches) | 5’10” |
| Height (in centimetres) | 178 |
| Weight (in pounds) | 154 |
| Weight (in kilograms) | 70 |
| Hair colour | Brown |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Siblings | 1 |
| Marital status | Married |
| Wife | Julie Wallace |
| Children | 2 |
| Profession | Businessman |
| Net worth | $4 million |
Career
Bubba Wallace’s father, Darrell, is a businessman and entrepreneur. He founded and currently serves as the president of Wallace Industrial Inc., an industrial cleaning and waste management company located in Concord, North Carolina.
His LinkedIn profile indicates that he established the company in 1999 and has been actively leading it for more than 20 years.
Prior to launching his own venture, Darrell spent 10 months in 1999 working in sales at Thompson Industrial Services, LLC.
Before that, he held a sales position at PSC, an oil and gas company headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Was Darrell Wallace Sr. a NASCAR driver?
No, but he’s a prominent American businessman and also Bubba’s father, the renowned American stock car racer. He owns and operates an industrial cleaning business as its sole proprietor.
Over time, he has set up multiple branches across the country, and it seems that Darrell’s company is making a profit.
Wallace Senior’s Net Worth
Darrell’s journey to financial success stemmed from the growth and success of his cleaning company.
Through strategic business decisions, diligent management, and the provision of valuable industrial cleaning services, he managed to amass a considerable fortune.
The estimated net worth of $3.5 million reflects not only his entrepreneurial acumen but also the sustained profitability and expansion of his business endeavors.
Darrell’s ability to navigate the competitive landscape of the cleaning industry has played a pivotal role in securing his financial standing, marking a testament to his dedication and business prowess.
About Bubba Wallace Parents
In 1990, Darrell married Desiree, his longtime love. Desiree was an American social worker and track racer, and Darrell had two children, a son and a daughter.
Despite their divorce, Darrell and Desiree remain close, actively co-parenting their children.
Who is Darrell Wallace Sr.’s new wife?
Since divorcing Desiree, the American cleaning mogul hasn’t brought his marital life into the spotlight. He has not disclosed whether he has remarried or not.
What is Bubba Wallace’s ethnicity?
Bubba was born in Mobile, Alabama, and grew up in Concord, North Carolina, attending Northwest Cabarrus High School. His mixed ethnicity comes from his black mother and white father.
No, Bubba and Rusty do not have a family connection. Their commonalities are limited to their last names and their racing skills.
Darrell Wallace Sr. serves as the president of Wallace Industrial Inc. Despite his family’s fame, he has chosen to keep a low profile and stay away from the limelight.
A Bond Beyond the Finish Line
Darrell Sr. and Bubba share an unwavering bond of support and mutual respect.
Bubba attributes everything he has achieved to his father, a sentiment that Darrell Sr. proudly echoes, beaming with pride at his son’s accomplishments.
Their connection goes beyond the racetrack, showcasing the strength of family and dedication.
