Bubba Wallace’s triumph at the 2025 Brickyard 400 Presented by PPG sent a shockwave through the NASCAR world. In a race shaped by strategy, rain delays, and late-race drama, Wallace claimed his first crown jewel win in unforgettable fashion. While the emotional victory locked him into the playoffs, it also sparked one of the most passionate fan responses of the season. From admiration to disbelief, here’s how NASCAR fans are processing a race that will be remembered for years.
Fan Reactions: Raw Emotion at the Brickyard
Sunday’s Brickyard 400 brought a wide range of emotions, especially after a late-race caution and a close finish between Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson. For many fans, it was a surprising and satisfying result.
“It’s been hours and I’m still in denial. That caution for rain felt like an absolute death sentence… And yet, he held Larson off. I’ve never been so sure of a loss, just for it to end in my favor. A crown goddamn jewel race. Can’t believe it.”
– A NASCAR Fan
Others connected Wallace’s win to a larger theme in motorsports that day—where underdogs found their moment.
“Bubba wins and WVA drops the goat to win the last stage of the Tour de France—great day for underdogs in racing everywhere.”
– A NASCAR Fan
The historical context wasn’t lost on fans either. This win marked a significant milestone at one of NASCAR’s most iconic tracks.
“According to ESPN, he’s the first Black driver to win on the IMS oval.”
– A NASCAR Fan
Not everyone was focused on the finish alone. Some appreciated the strategic nature of the race, a hallmark of the Indianapolis oval.
“There’s something about Indy that creates a strategy race, and I love that was the theme of the day. The racing wasn’t the best, but it was like watching a chess match.”
– A NASCAR Fan
Even fans of drivers who didn’t win gave Wallace credit. One Larson fan acknowledged the significance of the moment and respected the result.
“As a Larson fan, this is the happiest I’ve been with a race winner since last year’s Brickyard 400. Bubba earned it. Totally awesome his name goes up with the legends.”
– A NASCAR Fan
Bubba Wallace Outlasts Larson in Overtime Drama
Bubba Wallace led when the skies opened up with six laps to go, bringing out a rain caution that changed the course of the race. Following a lengthy delay for track drying, Wallace maintained his lead on the first overtime attempt. Concerns grew over whether the No. 23 had enough fuel, but the team gambled. That bet paid off—Wallace held off Kyle Larson on the second overtime and took the checkered flag, celebrating a landmark victory on one of NASCAR’s most historic stages.
A Historic Milestone and Playoff Implications
Wallace’s victory wasn’t just emotional—it was historic. According to ESPN, he became the first Black driver to win on the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. It also marks his first “crown jewel” win and locks him into the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. With the postseason approaching, this victory positions Wallace as a contender and boosts 23XI Racing’s momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season. For a driver often defined by pressure and scrutiny, this win speaks volumes.
Brickyard 400: Full Race Results
| S.No | Driver | Diff |
| 1 | Bubba Wallace | — |
| 2 | Kyle Larson | 0.222 |
| 3 | Denny Hamlin | 1.254 |
| 4 | Ryan Preece | 2.978 |
| 5 | Brad Keselowski | 3.866 |
| 6 | Todd Gilliland | 4.501 |
| 7 | Ryan Blaney | 4.771 |
| 8 | Christopher Bell | 4.862 |
| 9 | Alex Bowman | 4.923 |
| 10 | Carson Hocevar | 5.404 |
| 11 | Justin Haley | 6.135 |
| 12 | John Hunter Nemechek | 6.318 |
| 13 | Chase Elliott | 6.742 |
| 14 | Chris Buescher | 6.892 |
| 15 | Austin Cindric | 6.995 |
| 16 | William Byron | 7.029 |
| 17 | Katherine Legge | 7.347 |
| 18 | Chase Briscoe | 7.509 |
| 19 | Shane Van Gisbergen | 7.718 |
| 20 | Cole Custer | 8.262 |
| 21 | Ty Gibbs | 12.54 |
| 22 | Josh Berry | 54.078 |
| 23 | AJ Allmendinger | 1 lap |
| 24 | Jesse Love | 1 lap |
| 25 | Kyle Busch | 2 laps |
| 26 | Riley Herbst | 2 laps |
| 27 | Daniel Suarez | 3 laps |
| 28 | Ty Dillon | 3 laps |
| 29 | Tyler Reddick | OUT |
| 30 | Michael McDowell | 6 laps |
| 31 | Zane Smith | OUT |
| 32 | Joey Logano | OUT |
| 33 | Noah Gragson | 15 laps |
| 34 | Josh Bilicki | OUT |
| 35 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | 67 laps |
| 36 | Erik Jones | OUT |
| 37 | Cody Ware | OUT |
| 38 | Austin Dillon | OUT |
| 39 | Ross Chastain | OUT |
News in Brief: Fans React to Bubba Wallace’s Big Win
The 2025 Brickyard 400 gave fans more than just a winner—it gave them a moment. Bubba Wallace’s victory wasn’t about domination; it was about perseverance, strategy, and seizing the moment when it mattered most. As fan reactions continue pouring in across social media, one thing is clear: this wasn’t just a race win—it was a career-defining breakthrough. With the playoffs looming, Wallace and 23XI Racing carry a powerful wave of momentum, and fans—supporters and skeptics alike—will be watching closely.
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