Long Pond, Pa. - Bubba Wallace, the driver for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team, found himself in the spotlight recently after being fined $50,000 by NASCAR for retaliatory contact with Alex Bowman during the cooldown lap of the Chicago Street Race. However, Wallace sees the penalty as a wake-up call and an opportunity for personal growth.

Addressing the media at Pocono Raceway, Wallace humorously quipped, "Anybody got any money?" as he acknowledged the financial impact of the penalty. Despite being able to afford the fine, he realized that his behavior on the track did not align with the person he wants to be.

"The penalty was probably the best thing that's happened to me," Wallace admitted, highlighting that he has been battling with depression for years. Open about his struggles, both personal and professional, Wallace acknowledged that he hasn't been the happiest person at the track lately.

"I've been walking around with a persona I'm not proud of," Wallace confessed, expressing remorse for his recent behavior. He took the time to apologize to everyone, from his publicist to a journalist he brushed off, to Alex Bowman and the NASCAR official who imposed the fine.

Reflecting on his role as an agent of change in NASCAR, Wallace has faced both praise and criticism throughout his career. As a Black driver in a predominantly white sport, he has played a significant role in the industry's decision to ban the Confederate flag in 2020. However, this has also made him a target of online harassment.

"People don't really understand," Wallace said, acknowledging the hostility he has faced. "For the last four or five years, people have been wanting me out of the sport, right?"

Seeking advice, Wallace turned to retired NASCAR great Kevin Harvick, who encouraged him to approach the Pocono race with a smile on his face and accept the penalty. Wallace found solace in Harvick's words and realized the importance of showing his true self throughout the week, not just on race days.

"I always preach about being the same person on and off the racetrack," Wallace admitted. "The last four years, I've been miserable just trying to walk around like everything's okay."

Wallace also admitted that his strained relationship with his father, who advised him not to start trouble but always finish it if necessary, contributed to his behavior on the track. However, he remains determined to change his attitude and create a more positive environment for himself and those around him, including his wife, Amanda.

"I wasn't the best husband," Wallace confessed, taking responsibility for his actions. "That's not what it's about. It's about going home and getting a fresh reset and being close to the people that are around you. That's what I'm looking forward to."

As Wallace gears up for the race at Pocono, starting 29th in the No. 23 Toyota, he aims to embrace his true self and shed the weight of expectations. Despite the disagreement with the NASCAR penalty, Wallace is ready to move forward with a renewed focus on his personal growth and attitude both on and off the track.