Bubba Wallace Claims Historic Brickyard 400 Victory on Indianapolis Oval
July 28, 2025, 13:35 EDT
Bubba Wallace etched his name in NASCAR history Sunday by becoming the first Black driver to win a major race on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s famous 2.5-mile oval. After a tense and unpredictable Brickyard 400, Wallace overcame a rain delay, back-to-back overtimes, and a late charge from defending champion Kyle Larson to secure the milestone win.
A Career-Defining Win on an Iconic Track
Wallace, 31, drove the No. 23 car for 23XI Racing to a long-awaited victory that delivered not only his third career NASCAR Cup Series win but also his first in one of the sport’s crown jewel races.
“This one’s really cool,” Wallace told reporters. “Coming off Turn 4, I knew I was going to get there — unless we ran out of gas.”
The victory breaks a 100-race winless streak for Wallace, dating back to his 2022 win in Kansas. His other Cup Series victory came at Talladega in 2021. The Brickyard 400 win also locked Wallace into a playoff spot, adding further significance to the moment.
No Black driver has ever won the Indianapolis 500, and while Formula 1 has competed on the road course of the Speedway, Wallace’s achievement marks the first time a Black driver has claimed victory on the iconic oval.
Holding Off the Champion in Dramatic Fashion
Wallace’s win didn’t come easily. After leading with 14 laps to go, he faced an aggressive late-race push by Kyle Larson, who had reduced a 5.057-second gap to just over three seconds when rain brought out a caution.
The unexpected delay created uncertainty for all teams.
“I kept thinking, are we going? Are we not?” Wallace said. “But I leaned more toward, ‘We’re going back racing. Be ready.’”
On the first restart, Wallace edged out Larson in Turn 2, only for a crash behind them to bring out another caution. That led to a second overtime — and fuel calculations suddenly became critical.
Wallace’s crew debated whether he had enough to finish.
“I want to win this straight up,” Wallace said. “I want to go back racing.”
And he did just that. Wallace once again beat Larson on the restart and managed to stay in front, winning by 0.222 seconds and denying Larson a back-to-back Brickyard title.
A Boost for 23XI Racing
Sunday’s win was a pivotal moment for 23XI Racing, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and fellow driver Denny Hamlin, who won the previous week’s race.
The team is currently involved in legal battles with NASCAR over charter rights, making Wallace’s victory both a symbolic and competitive boost.
“Those last 20 laps were full of ups and downs,” Wallace said. “When I saw it was Larson behind me, I knew we had to be the best to beat the best.”
A Weekend of Redemption
Wallace’s success came after a frustrating Saturday, when he narrowly missed earning pole position in qualifying. Chase Briscoe claimed the No. 1 spot with one of the final runs of the session.
But Wallace didn’t let that disappointment linger.
He delivered on Sunday, proving once again that he can rise to the occasion under pressure and cementing his place as a serious contender heading into the playoffs.
Gibbs Wins Inaugural In-Season Challenge
While Wallace made history on the track, Ty Gibbs claimed a separate honor by winning NASCAR’s first-ever In-Season Challenge — a knockout-style tournament similar to March Madness.
Despite finishing 21st in the main race, Gibbs outlasted all competitors in the points-based contest and took home a $1 million prize, along with a championship belt and commemorative ring.
“They brought me money guns, but they jammed, so I just threw the money to the fans,” Gibbs said. “It’s a cool opportunity.”
Runner-up Ty Dillon, who entered the tournament as the 32nd and final seed, finished 28th in the main event.
Tire Troubles and Early Exits
Not all drivers fared as well in the unpredictable race. Austin Cindric and three-time Cup champion Joey Logano showed early strength but were sidelined by tire issues.
Erik Jones also exited early after a high-speed crash into the wall between Turns 3 and 4 on Lap 91, caused by a failed right front tire.
Ross Chastain was the first driver out, spinning into the wall on Lap 18 following contact from Michael McDowell. Austin Dillon, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Cody Ware were also forced to retire before Lap 100.
Weather Adds to Race Day Drama
Concerns about incoming rain led NASCAR officials to move the race start time 10 minutes earlier. Still, it wasn’t enough to avoid a 15-minute delay late in the race, which occurred with just four laps remaining.
Rain forecasts had been in play since the second stage, which prompted teams to urge drivers to push harder earlier in the race — further escalating the competitive intensity.
A Furry Fan Favorite Offers Advice
Adding a lighthearted moment to the day, Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster served as the Brickyard’s grand marshal. The beloved character met drivers and fans and even gave some unique pre-race advice:
“Don’t stop and ask for directions,” Cookie Monster quipped.
Conclusion
Bubba Wallace’s historic win on the Indianapolis oval is more than just a personal achievement — it’s a milestone for NASCAR. As the sport continues efforts to diversify and evolve, Wallace’s Brickyard 400 victory stands as a symbol of progress and perseverance.
With playoff season approaching and momentum on his side, Wallace and the 23XI Racing team have proven they’re ready for the challenges ahead.
Source: AP News – Bubba Wallace becomes first Black driver to win a major race on Indianapolis’ oval
