Bubba Wallace clinched a momentous victory at the Brickyard 400 on July 27, 2025, marking a significant milestone for Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing. This accomplishment elevates the team into a select group of NASCAR outfits, spotlighted for overcoming formidable challenges amid the ongoing charter system landscape.
Wallace Ends Lengthy Winless Stretch with Indianapolis Triumph
Wallace’s win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway shattered a 100-race drought without a victory dating back to September 2022. The 31-year-old driver skillfully maneuvered through two overtime restarts, ultimately fending off defending champion Kyle Larson by a razor-thin margin of 0.222 seconds at one of NASCAR’s most prestigious races.
In the moments following the checkered flag, Wallace expressed the significance of the win amid external pressures.
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.
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
23XI Racing Joins Exclusive Open Entry Winners Club
This victory positions 23XI Racing as the third open team to secure a Cup Series race win since NASCAR introduced the charter system in 2016. 23XI Racing now stands alongside Kaulig Racing and Trackhouse Racing, both of which achieved this feat in recent years.
Kaulig Racing’s breakthrough came with AJ Allmendinger’s victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in 2021. Trackhouse Racing made headlines when Shane van Gisbergen achieved a stunning debut win at the Chicago Street Course in 2023, becoming the first driver since 1963 to win in his first event.
With the win today, @23XIRacing became the third “Open” entry team to win a #NASCAR Cup Series race since the adoption of the Charter System. 23XI Racing joins Kaulig Racing (Indy Road Course 2021) and Trackhouse Racing (Chicago Street Course 2023).
—Toby Christie, NASCAR Analyst
Overcoming Institutional Challenges as an Open Team
23XI Racing operates as an open entry team following the loss of its charter due to ongoing federal antitrust litigation against NASCAR, which resulted in a U.S. District Court judge denying a temporary restraining order. Despite this setback, the team’s performance underscores resilience and determination in the face of structural disadvantages.
Open teams confront several hurdles, including no guaranteed race entries, roughly 30% less prize money compared to chartered teams, and limited funds for competitive development. These factors typically hinder their chances of sustained success in the highly competitive NASCAR environment.
Wallace’s strategic management of fuel in the closing laps and his composure under immense pressure contributed to securing this first regular-season win for an open team, distinguishing it from previous playoff successes such as those at Talladega and Kansas.
Significance of the Victory for 23XI Racing’s Future
This landmark win not only validates Michael Jordan’s vision for 23XI Racing but also symbolizes the capacity for teams operating under difficult circumstances to achieve greatness. The victory lends hope for greater competitiveness among open teams and may inspire changes in how NASCAR’s charter system is perceived and navigated.
The success at the Brickyard could signal stronger performances ahead for Wallace and 23XI Racing, reinforcing their status in NASCAR’s premier circuit despite the ongoing legal and organizational challenges.
