Bubba Wallace claimed a landmark victory at the 2025 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, fending off Kyle Larson in a tense overtime finish. The Bubba Wallace Brickyard 400 victory marked the first time a Black driver has won the NASCAR Cup Series at this historic venue, drawing attention and congratulations from the motorsport world, including a playful response from IndyCar star Scott McLaughlin.
Wallace Makes History With Determined Drive
Starting the race in P2, Bubba Wallace was a consistent contender throughout the NASCAR Cup Series event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As the laps wound down, Wallace found himself locked in competition with Kyle Larson, each aiming for the coveted win. A late Red Flag added drama, pushing the race into overtime and setting up a high-pressure restart.
When the race resumed, Wallace and Larson lined up on the front row. Wallace, driving the #23 Toyota for 23XI Racing, held off Larson’s #5 Chevrolet to cross the finish line first and secure his place in history. His win not only represented personal achievement but also broke significant ground as the first Black driver to win the Brickyard 400 Cup Series race.
Scott McLaughlin’s Light-Hearted Salute
IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin reacted to Wallace’s win with characteristic humor, uploading a YouTube video reflecting on the Laguna Seca weekend. Midway through, McLaughlin learned of Wallace’s triumph from his cameraman and responded with an energetic, teasing tribute:
“Oh, Bubba won! Big shout out to Bubba. Um, I mean he’s still slow as s*it, it’s unreal that he won the Brickyard. You know he said he wasn’t going to turn up to the summer shootout on Tuesday, but I bet, guarantee you he will now because he’s won. So very happy for him, very very happy for my man Bubba. Very good, positive vibes,”
—Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske driver
The camaraderie between McLaughlin, Wallace, and Kiwi driver Shane Van Gisbergen extends beyond elite racing, as all three regularly compete in Legends car events like the Summer Shootout, referenced by McLaughlin.
Celebration After First Win as a Father
The Brickyard 400 victory carried extra meaning for Wallace, as it was his first major win since welcoming his son in September 2024. Celebrating on track with his wife and child, Wallace marked the occasion with joy shared by friends and fellow drivers. McLaughlin, reflecting their close friendship and Wallace’s resilience, offered further praise online:
“This guy is the best dad. Has been going through it with the racing gods. Always one of the first people to text me if we have a bad day. So happy for Bdub, a great dude and I hope the haters enjoyed that.”
—Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske driver
Friendly Banter Between Competitors
Bubba Wallace and Scott McLaughlin are well known for their playful exchanges on social media, particularly in connection to their Legends car races. After recent events, Wallace posted a photo featuring Shane Van Gisbergen, McLaughlin, and their vehicles, prompting McLaughlin to respond. Wallace quickly replied, highlighting his humor and their ongoing rapport:
“Just proud to see you complete..laps👊🏾🙃”
—Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing driver
Significance of the Victory for NASCAR and Beyond
Wallace’s breakthrough at the Brickyard is a milestone both for his career and for NASCAR’s long history, demonstrating resilience and breaking new ground for inclusion in the sport. With high-profile support from friends like McLaughlin and wide visibility of his achievement, Wallace’s victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is set to inspire conversations and optimism across the racing community. Attention now turns to future races and the impact that this historic accomplishment may have for the next generation of drivers.
