Bubba Wallace became the first Black driver to claim a win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval by triumphing in the NASCAR Brickyard 400. The Mobile, Alabama native secured this landmark victory by crossing the finish line ahead of Kyle Larson, while his 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin finished third. This achievement marks a significant milestone in both Wallace’s career and the sport.
Reflecting on his win, Wallace expressed the weight of the moment:
To win here at the Brickyard, knowing how big this race is, knowing all the noise that’s going on in the background. To set that all aside is a testament to these people here on this 23 team. It’s been getting old running on the cut line.
—Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Driver
Wallace’s Racing Journey and Recent Performances
Wallace, who debuted in 2018 with a second-place finish at the Daytona 500 behind Austin Dillon, had notched several notable runner-up results but was still pursuing his first major victory at Indianapolis. His previous best included another second at the 2022 Daytona 500, finishing behind rookie Austin Cindric. Sunday’s win marked Wallace’s first since the 2021 YellaWood 500 at Talladega and his second for the 23XI Racing team, highlighting his perseverance and growth.
Addressing his critics following the victory, Wallace conveyed confidence and satisfaction:
It doesn’t matter! I’m already winning at life. I got the best wife, the best kid. People are always going to say something. I am excited to see how far the goalposts move. So I get to go and chase that now. So how many days since my last win? Zero. Zero. Yeah, now it’s zero.
—Bubba Wallace
Support and Faith from 23XI Racing Team Amid Challenges
Despite several did-not-finish (DNF) events this season, Wallace maintained strong backing from his 23XI Racing team and co-owner Denny Hamlin. Three weeks prior to the Brickyard 400, Hamlin reassured reporters:
You just can’t panic with the situation they’re in. I think if we were struggling for speed on that 23 car, then there would be a more heightened sense of alertness to like what’s going on.
—Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing Team Co-owner
This encouragement reflected the team’s confidence in Wallace’s talent and potential, underscoring their collective commitment to long-term success. Wallace’s breakthrough at the iconic Indianapolis oval validates these efforts and furthers his historic path.
Wallace’s Trailblazing Legacy in NASCAR
Wallace first made history in 2014 by becoming the first Black driver to win in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, breaking barriers early in his career. His victory at the Brickyard 400 adds another transformative chapter to that legacy, as no Black driver had previously won a race at this legendary venue. This achievement also strengthens Wallace’s position heading into the NASCAR playoffs and helps dispel the long-standing challenges he has faced in top-tier racing circuits.
Rajah Caruth’s Breakthrough Victory Secures NASCAR Truck Series Playoff Spot
Rajah Caruth marked a major career milestone by winning his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race of the season at the 2025 Rackley Roofing 200 held at Nashville Superspeedway on May 30. The Winston-Salem State University alum celebrated a narrow victory, crossing the finish line 0.518 seconds ahead of Corey Heim and 0.629 seconds in front of Layne Riggs.
Caruth praised his team after the race:
I didn’t expect that at all,
he told Fox Sports pit reporter Josh Sims.
Those guys were breathing out my neck the whole run. My pit crew won that race,
highlighting the effort of his Spire Motorsports Chevrolet team.
Despite stiff competition throughout the race, Caruth maintained composure to secure his second Truck Series win and clinched a playoff spot. Reflecting on his determination, he added:
I just was asking myself, how bad do you want it? I don’t know. I just try my best, and we had clean air. And their stuff was better, but I just did my best. That was it.
—Rajah Caruth, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Driver
This victory snapped a 31-race winless streak and positioned Caruth, ranked tenth in the season standings, firmly within playoff contention. His next competition will continue in the Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs.
Current Standings and Performance Highlights in the Truck Series
Rajah Caruth’s performance so far includes one win in twelve starts, leading 186 laps and achieving seven top-ten finishes, earning him five playoff points. Meanwhile, Corey Heim leads the series with 29 playoff points, maintaining a strong position as the competition intensifies. The latest race results underscore the increasing competitiveness of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series as drivers vie for playoff success and coveted victories.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Bubba Wallace’s baby been born?
A. Bubba and Amanda posted together on Instagram to share the news of their new baby. They included several photos from the hospital. Their baby boy, named Becks Hayden Wallace, was born on September 29th.
Q. Has Bubba Wallace ever won a cup race?
A. On October 4, 2021, Wallace achieved his first Cup victory at Talladega. The race ended early because of rain. He is the first Black driver to win a Cup Series race since Wendell Scott in 1963.
Q. Is Bubba Wallace a dad?
A. Last September, Bubba Wallace welcomed his first child and has been enjoying every bit of being a parent since then.
Q. Has Bubba Wallace won a cup race?
A. On October 4, 2021, Wallace got his first Cup victory at Talladega after the race was cut short by rain.