Bubba Wallace wins historic Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after a rain-delayed and dramatic double-overtime finish, establishing himself as the first Black driver ever to capture NASCAR’s celebrated Indy crown. The electrifying victory on Sunday not only delivered a personal milestone for Wallace and the 23XI Racing team but also added a new chapter to the race’s storied legacy.
Rain Delay Sets the Stage for an Epic Battle
Near the end of the Brickyard 400, weather brought the action to a halt with six laps left. NASCAR officials threw a caution as rain forced everyone to the pit lane, and nearly half an hour would pass while crews worked to dry the crucial Turn 1. When competition returned, Wallace was leading the field, low on fuel but undeterred by the pressure, and ready for the upcoming double-overtime restart. In the final laps, Wallace skillfully fought off an intense charge from Kyle Larson, hanging onto the top spot and crossing the finish line ahead of the pack in a hard-fought battle that pushed drivers beyond the original 160 laps.
Breakthrough Victory for Wallace and 23XI Racing
Driving the No. 23 Toyota, Wallace executed a bold two-tire stop on Lap 119, which later allowed him to inherit the lead by Lap 143. Despite a nearly empty fuel tank, he managed to outpace both the field and the ticking clock, even as rivals like Larson pressed hard in the final overtime segments. When the checkered flag waved after the second restart, Wallace triumphed, followed by Harrlin in third, Ryan Preece in fourth, and Brad Keselowski finishing fifth. This accomplishment marked Wallace as the first Black driver to ever celebrate in victory lane at the Brickyard, and cements his position among NASCAR’s celebrated winners.
Pivotal Race Moments and Challenges
The race was marked by strategy and adversity. Early on, Chase Briscoe secured the win in Stage 1, with Ryan Blaney taking Stage 2. Wallace’s critical stint in the lead, earned after a key pit strategy, proved vital in his overall success. Tire failures plagued contenders like Austin Cindric and Erik Jones, and even Blake suffered a crash, impacting the running order. The contest extended well past the scheduled distance due to the repeated overtime restarts.
Wallace’s 2025 Season Turnaround
This victory signals a high point for Wallace’s year, as it stands as his inaugural win of the 2025 season for 23XI Racing. Entering Indy, Wallace held the 13th spot in overall series standings with 500 points, having logged three top-five showings and seven top-10 finishes, but no wins prior to this breakthrough at the Brickyard. Now, his triumph at this Crown Jewel event propels both him and his team forward, reinforcing their presence as true competitors on the championship stage.
Strategies Behind a Hard-Fought Win
Wallace’s ascent to the top was shaped by key decisions and his ability to perform under stress. Choosing a two-tire pit stop created the necessary track position to control the race, while his calm approach during chaotic restarts allowed him to defend his lead against aggressive challengers like Larson. Throughout, Wallace demonstrated the unshakeable composure needed to master one of NASCAR’s toughest and most prestigious events.
The Top Five Finishers at the Brickyard
1. Bubba Wallace
2. Kyle Larson
3. Harrlin
4. Ryan Preece
5. Brad Keselowski
The Significance of Wallace’s Win at Indianapolis
This remarkable victory marks a transformative moment for both Wallace and the sport, as he now stands as the first Black winner of NASCAR’s flagship Indy race, joining a legendary roster in victory lane. Beyond personal achievement, the win signals the rapid rise and growing legitimacy of 23XI Racing, who now claim their maiden Crown Jewel triumph. With the post-race celebration behind them, Wallace, the team, and their fans look forward to the playoffs energized by a wave of momentum and inspiration, watching to see how far this breakthrough can take them as the season continues.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Bubba Wallace ever win a race?
A. Wallace won his first Cup race at Talladega on October 4, 2021, as the event ended early because of rain.
Q. Is Bubba Wallace a dad?
A. Last September, Bubba Wallace welcomed a new baby into his family. Since then, he has been enjoying fatherhood to the fullest.
Q. Has Bubba Wallace ever won?
A. Wallace was the second Black driver to win in the Cup Series. He achieved this at Talladega Superspeedway in the 2021 fall race. This win was both his first career victory and the first for the newly-formed 23XI Racing team. In 2022, he secured his second win at Kansas Speedway, marking his first victory with the No. 45 car.
