Bubba Wallace secured the biggest NASCAR Cup Series victory of his career at the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 27, 2025. Wallace, driving the No. 23 Toyota for 23XI Racing, clinched his first win of the 2025 season and the third of his Cup Series career after holding off Kyle Larson in double overtime. This victory marked Wallace's first at the historic 2.5-mile oval and was a significant milestone as he became the first Black driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series crown jewel race at IMS.
The race was marked by late-stage drama, including a rain delay and concerns about fuel. Wallace led for 23 laps, including the final 15, but a shower halted the race with only four laps remaining in the scheduled 160. This erased Wallace's comfortable lead and forced the race into overtime. Despite concerns about fuel, Wallace managed to maintain his lead through two restarts, ultimately securing the win.
"Oh my gosh, man, just so proud of this team,” Wallace told Marty Snider on TNT. “That adrenaline rush is crazy, and I'm coming off that now, and I'm wore out...Unbelievable to win here at the Brickyard knowing how big this race is".
The victory was particularly sweet for Wallace, who had been running close to the playoff cutline. The win secured his spot in the Cup Series playoffs with four events remaining to determine the full 16-driver field. It also marked the first crown jewel victory for 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.
Kyle Larson, the defending Brickyard 400 winner, finished second, followed by Denny Hamlin, who had started last. Ryan Preece and Brad Keselowski rounded out the top five. Ty Gibbs finished 21st, securing the $1 million prize in the inaugural In-Season Challenge tournament.
Wallace's journey to victory included a strategic two-tire stop on Lap 119, which allowed him to inherit the lead on Lap 143 when Ryan Blaney pitted. Although Larson closed the gap, a timely red flag for rain gave Wallace a crucial opportunity to regroup. Despite the pressure, Wallace held his nerve and powered to the win.
This win snaps a 100-race winless streak for Wallace, dating back to 2022 at Kansas Speedway. It's also his first win at one of NASCAR's four crown jewel races.
