On Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Bubba Wallace achieved an emotional and hard-fought win in the Brickyard 400, marking a key moment in his racing career and for the sport. The Bubba Wallace Brickyard 400 victory came after a race filled with psychological battles, unpredictable weather, and a crowd charged with both cheers and jeers, spotlighting Wallace as a champion who overcame doubts and adversity.
Commitment and Mindset Leading Up to the Race
Wallace had signaled his intentions for the Brickyard 400 a week prior, communicating privately with fellow racers Shane van Gisbergen of Trackhouse Racing and IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin, with whom he had spent the summer competing in Legends cars during the Charlotte Motor Speedway Summer Shootout. Despite last-minute sponsorship commitments with the Air Force, forcing Wallace to withdraw from the final event after the Brickyard 400, he wagered his future participation on his performance in Indianapolis.
“I did say, ‘All right, if I win Sunday, I’ll race Tuesday,’”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
Soon after, Wallace revised his text to his friends to read,
“When I win Sunday, I will race Tuesday.”
The subtle change illustrated a growing inner confidence that would define race morning and the hours to follow. Seeking motivation, Wallace turned to Ryan Holiday’s The Daily Stoic, reflecting on themes of wisdom and the privilege of opportunity over obligation.
“I don’t read it every day,”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
“l’ll let a week or so go by and then catch up and it just kind of (gets) me in the philosophical mindset (of the day) and trying to understand things from a different perspective.”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
The morning’s readings—“The wise doesn’t have problems” and
“We’re always caught up in things we have to do instead of the things we get to do”
—provided the clarity that stuck with Wallace as he prepared for one of NASCAR‘s largest stages.
“We never look at those things. We’re always like, ‘I gotta do this. I gotta do this. I gotta do this.’ Instead of the opposite of, ‘Well, this didn’t happen, I get to do this instead.’”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
A Quiet Yet Tense Start at Indianapolis
With his No. 23 toyota/”>Toyota starting in second, Wallace joined the parade lap around the storied track, greeted by an almost eerie silence uncharacteristic for such an event. In the driver’s meeting, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Doug Boles spoke about making history in a way that resonated with Wallace.
“This could be the start of becoming a legend.”
—Doug Boles, President, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
As Wallace focused on his race notes, first-year crew chief Charles Denike reminded the team of their aspirations with a straightforward message: trophy cases exist to be filled.
“You know why we build trophy cases?”
—Charles Denike, Crew Chief
Battling Doubt and Pressure During the Race
For the last 20 laps, Wallace was not just racing Kyle Larson and the rest of the Cup Series field—he was also battling conflicting thoughts, as he hovered near the playoff bubble after not winning a points race since 2022. Wallace’s lead grew to nearly five seconds over Larson, but fuel and nerves threatened to undo all progress.
“Here we are in the same spot before the race, same spot: is Bubba Wallace going to make it in on the playoffs?’”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
“It’s kind of like the angel and devil on your shoulder,”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
“There was ups and downs of telling myself you’re not gonna be able to do it,”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
“At the same time, I was combatting, and I’m like, ‘Fucking right, we can do this,’”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
“But to even have that (negative) thought, it’s like, ‘Man, come on, focus.’”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
Chaos Erupts as Rain Alters the Finish
Just five laps from the checkered flag, heavy rain hit Turns 1 and 2, forcing a caution and an 18-minute red flag for track drying. The interruption threatened Wallace’s dominant lead and revived old anxieties, especially recalling his rain-shortened 2021 win. Yet Wallace was determined to prove himself through a heads-up battle, not chance.
“I will say the first thing that came to my mind is, ‘Here we go again,’”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
“So I was content with it going on. I was bummed that we gave up that lead.”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
Overtime Triumph and a Momentous Win
As action resumed, Wallace’s crew focused intensely. The tension in the No. 23 pit was palpable, culminating with an explosive shout as Wallace charged through the final laps, with Larson closing in. Pit chief Denike’s final instructions over the radio kept the team dialed in for the finish.
“It was time to really focus and get the job done,”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
“Bubba, please confirm (fuel) pump 2,”
—Charles Denike, Crew Chief
Wallace only truly believed victory was his as he exited the final corner.
“knew it was a good Turn 4. I knew (Larson) wasn’t going to get there, so I knew we won.”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
Instead of tears, Wallace felt a deep release and satisfaction after three years without a points win in the Cup Series.
“quite surprised I wasn’t crying like a little baby. I was I guess more relieved.”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
“What a day, this is why they build trophy cases. To fill them.”
—Charles Denike, Crew Chief
Respect Among Competitors and an Outpouring of Emotion
Following the win, Wallace received a personal visit from Kyle Larson, whom he regards as a standard-bearer for driving talent in the Cup Series. Their respectful exchange illustrated the intense competition and mutual recognition at the sport’s highest level.
“I have no problem saying that,”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
“I respect the hell out of what he does, how he drives. He pushes us all to be that good.”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
“Game recognizes game.” —Bubba Wallace, Driver
Fans React, Champions and Critics Intermingle
As Wallace celebrated in Victory Lane, fans filled the infield grandstands and pressed around the ceremonial area, their reactions spanning from exuberant chants to pointed boos. Wallace addressed both sides with characteristic candor, acknowledging the complex relationship athletes have with their audiences.
“You’re going to have people booing, people cheering,”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
“I had a guy today call me a punk. I was like, ‘Okay, punks get trophies, I guess.’ It’s sports. Some different than others, but I definitely heard the cheers, and I appreciated that.”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
Among the fanbase was Tracy Morse of Harrisburg, Illinois, a dedicated supporter who overcame significant health challenges to witness Wallace’s triumph in person.
“watched him come up the ranks.”
—Tracy Morse, Fan
“he’s always been the underdog, and I’ve rooted for him and he’s got great talent.”
—Tracy Morse, Fan
“It means the world to me,”
—Tracy Morse, Fan
“I would not have missed it.”
—Tracy Morse, Fan
“I would not have missed this.”
—Tracy Morse, Fan
The Broader Impact of Wallace’s Brickyard 400 Win
Bubba Wallace’s Brickyard 400 victory at Indianapolis echoes beyond just the points on the leaderboard. This moment resonates with drivers, crew, and fans alike, highlighting perseverance in the face of adversity and the challenges of professional racing. It stands as a testament to Wallace’s resolve, his team’s faith, and the enduring spirit of NASCAR’s most storied events. Looking ahead, this win could shift the momentum of Wallace’s career, reinforcing his presence among NASCAR’s elite competitors and inspiring a new generation of fans and fellow drivers.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Bubba Wallace ever win a race?
A. Wallace got his first-ever Cup win on October 4, 2021, at Talladega when the race was cut short by rain.
Q. Has Bubba Wallace’s baby been born?
A. Bubba and Amanda made an Instagram post together to announce their baby’s birth. They included several photos from their time in the hospital. Their baby boy, born on September 29th, is named Becks Hayden Wallace.
Q. Has Bubba Wallace ever won a race?
A. Bubba Wallace’s third NASCAR Cup win marked his first triumph in one of the series’ top four events alongside the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, and Southern 500. This victory ended a 100-race drought since his last win in 2022 at Kansas and secured him a playoff place.
Q. Is Bubba Wallace a dad?
A. According to NASCAR on NBC on X, Bubba Wallace became a father last September and is enjoying every second of it.
