Bubba Wallace’s first NASCAR win came after 143 races, highlighting the perseverance required to reach victory lane. On October 4, 2021, driving for 23XI Racing, Wallace claimed a rain-shortened Yellawood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, making significant history in the Cup Series.
Breaking through the ranks in NASCAR is notoriously difficult, and Wallace’s journey underscores the level of persistence necessary to secure a first career win. His achievement marked a milestone as he became the second Black driver in nearly six decades to win a Cup Series race, while also delivering the inaugural victory for the newly established 23XI Racing team.
Details of Bubba Wallace’s Breakthrough and Subsequent Performance
Wallace’s victory at Talladega occurred after he had led only five laps when rain halted the event early, bringing the race to a close. The win was especially notable given the challenges faced by a relatively new team competing against established contenders.
Following that breakthrough, Wallace secured another win in 2022 at Kansas Speedway. However, he has since experienced a 96-race stretch without a victory and faces the possibility of missing the playoffs this season. His ongoing efforts demonstrate the unpredictable and competitive nature of NASCAR’s Cup Series.
Other Notable Drivers With Extended Waits Before Their First Wins
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. joins Wallace among drivers who claimed their initial Cup Series triumphs at Talladega Superspeedway. On May 7, 2017, Stenhouse delivered an impressive performance by overtaking rivals in overtime to win after 158 starts, driving for Roush Fenway Racing. Starting from pole position, he battled Kyle Busch on the final lap to secure victory, ending the team’s three-year winless streak.
Daniel Suarez, the first foreign driver to win the Xfinity Series championship in 2016, took 195 races to reach victory lane in the Cup Series. He earned his maiden win at Sonoma Raceway on June 12, 2022, while racing for Trackhouse Racing during his second season in the Cup Series. Recently, Suarez triumphed in the inaugural NASCAR event held outside the US at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in the Xfinity Series. Despite limited wins following that success, Suarez will part ways with Trackhouse Racing after 2025. Bubba Wallace has publicly expressed his support for Suarez during this transition.
AJ Allmendinger took 213 races to capture his first Cup victory in 2014 at Watkins Glen International, driving for JTG Daugherty Racing. Engaged in a close finish with Marcos Ambrose, Allmendinger’s win was pivotal for both his career and the team. He later brought Kaulig Racing their first Cup Series win in 2021. Although he led a race recently at COTA, he was unable to finish with a victory this season.
The Longest Wait: Michael McDowell’s Road to Daytona 500 Victory
Michael McDowell holds the record for the longest wait before a first NASCAR win, achieving it after 358 starts. His breakthrough came in the prestigious Daytona 500 in 2021, where he capitalized on a last-lap wreck involving Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, and Kyle Busch. The race, delayed by rain and finishing after midnight, became an emotional crowning moment for McDowell, who had been competing for 14 seasons without a win.
What These First Wins Represent for Drivers and Teams
The lengthy journeys to initial victories illustrate the resilience required to succeed in NASCAR’s top-level competition. For drivers like Bubba Wallace, Michael McDowell, and Daniel Suarez, these wins are more than just career milestones; they reflect years of dedication, strategy, and overcoming formidable competition. Each first victory not only elevates the driver’s standing but often marks a breakthrough for their teams, fueling motivation and future opportunities.
Looking ahead, these stories may inspire emerging drivers facing tough beginnings, demonstrating that persistence through many races can ultimately lead to breakthrough success and a place in NASCAR history.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Bubba Wallace ever win a race?
A. On October 26, 2013, Wallace made history as the first African-American driver to win a NASCAR national series race since 1963. He secured victory at the Martinsville Speedway in the Camping World Truck Series Kroger 200.
Q. Has Bubba Wallace ever won?
A. On October 4, 2021, Wallace secured his first Cup victory at Talladega when the rain shortened the race.
