Bubba Wallace wins Brickyard 400 for 23XI Racing, making history with a significant victory at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway that also secures his place in the Cup Series playoffs. His achievement comes during a tense period for the team’s owners and delivers a powerful moment of pride for co-owner Michael Jordan, who celebrated remotely with Wallace after the win.
Wallace Rises to the Occasion for 23XI Racing Amidst Team Uncertainty
As legal disputes continue to affect the ownership group of 23XI Racing, Wallace drove with determination to bring home the team’s first triumph of the season at the prestigious Brickyard 400. The Alabama-born driver faced not only the high-pressure atmosphere of the event, but also the challenge of breaking his own postseason disappointment from the previous year.
Wallace started alongside Chase Briscoe on the front row in his No. 23 toyota/”>Toyota Camry SE. Despite his unpredictable record at superspeedways, he successfully overcame on-track mistakes, displaying notable skill in outmaneuvering Kyle Larson twice, including a critical battle for the top position. With the win, he became the first Black driver to claim victory at Indianapolis, marking a milestone moment celebrated in the emotionally charged victory lane.
A Heartfelt Connection: Michael Jordan Reacts to Wallace’s Victory
Bubba Wallace’s post-race experience was defined by an outpouring of emotion both on and off the track, especially as he shared the news with co-owner Michael Jordan, who contacted him from afar to express his excitement.
He (Michael Jordan) called in Victory Lane, that was cool. He was pumped, just super proud,
—Bubba Wallace, Driver. The two exchanged more than congratulations, bonding over their mutual interest in watches, a lighthearted moment that highlighted their growing camaraderie.
Showcasing his green Rolex, Wallace addressed racing superstitions head-on, underscoring his defiance of tradition after wearing a color often considered unlucky in the sport.
Defied all that BS, won with the green Rolly on.
—Bubba Wallace, Driver.
Outpouring of Support and a Triumphant Milestone
Wallace also received congratulatory messages from within the motorsports community.
Will Powers texted me, I never had his number, so I think he went through (Scott) McLaughlin to get his number. Then Simon Pagenaud.
—Bubba Wallace, Driver. The influx of support from celebrated drivers like Will Powers and Simon Pagenaud, facilitated by Scott McLaughlin, reflected Wallace’s standing among his peers.
For Wallace, Sunday’s win at the Brickyard wasn’t just his third career victory; it also marked the end of a three-year drought. It symbolized redemption and reinforced the close relationship between Wallace and his boss, Michael Jordan. Reflecting on Jordan’s response, Wallace recalled,
He was just so proud. I said I wish you were here for it, he was like, he’s going to have a drink or two for me tonight. So we’ll be celebrating together in spirit,
—Bubba Wallace, Driver, also referring to the NBA legend’s earlier advice.
What This Victory Means for Wallace and 23XI Racing
This landmark win sets a new chapter for Bubba Wallace and 23XI Racing, further elevating Wallace’s role as a trailblazer within NASCAR and U.S. motorsports. Michael Jordan’s visible pride and encouragement signify solid support at a time of organizational challenges for the team, while the victory cements Wallace’s place in the Cup Series postseason. With a guaranteed playoff spot and momentum on his side, Wallace and his team now look ahead to what could be a transformative run to the NASCAR championship, hoping to build on the emotional high and newfound unity demonstrated at the Brickyard 400.
