Bubba Wallace secured a thrilling victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway last Sunday, capturing one of NASCAR’s most prestigious events. While fans celebrated Wallace’s impressive achievement, Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, expressed a mix of pride and frustration over the day’s outcome.
Hamlin, who drives for Joe Gibbs Racing and co-owns 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan, finished third in the race and recorded the fastest lap, but watching his team’s No. 23 car take the checkered flag while his own No. 11 team fell short was challenging. After the race, Hamlin and Wallace followed tradition by kneeling to kiss the iconic yard of bricks at the Brickyard, but Hamlin later revealed his conflicted emotions on social media.
“Kissing the bricks as an owner is bittersweet. Wish I was doing it with my 11 team. They gave me everything I needed this weekend. But I’m happy for @BubbaWallace and @23XIRacing. They deserved it.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver and 23XI Racing co-owner
Bubba Wallace Ends Long Winless Stretch with Dramatic Indianapolis Triumph
Wallace broke a 100-race winless streak in his No. 23 Toyota, delivered by 23XI Racing, capturing a landmark victory at one of NASCAR’s crown jewel races. The win required resilience, as Wallace overcame a late rain delay and maintained composure during two overtime restarts to hold off Kyle Larson’s persistent challenge.
Despite Larson’s efforts to close the gap and overtake him, Wallace managed to pull away both times in the final laps. This historic victory not only propelled Wallace back to Victory Lane but also guaranteed him a spot in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, providing a significant boost as he heads into the postseason.
The impact of the win was palpable in the garage area, where fellow drivers offered their congratulations, highlighting the significance of the moment for Wallace. For Hamlin, the triumph went beyond just Wallace’s milestone — it marked an important moment for 23XI Racing after their gradual rise since their 2021 debut.
23XI Racing’s Growing Success Fueled by Wallace’s Breakthrough
Since its launch in 2021, 23XI Racing has steadily built toward this breakthrough moment, with Wallace serving as their first driver. His recent Indy win marks a major milestone for the team after three seasons of development and determination. The victory at the iconic Brickyard represents not only a personal triumph for Wallace but also a major achievement for Hamlin and co-owner Michael Jordan, validating their ongoing investment in the sport.