Bubba Wallace achieved a groundbreaking victory by becoming the first Black driver to win a race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. The Mobile native claimed the Brickyard 400 NASCAR Cup race, crossing the finish line ahead of Kyle Larson and beating his 23XI Racing Team co-owner Denny Hamlin, who placed third.
Speaking about his win, Wallace expressed the significance of his accomplishment.
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 Career Highlights and Recent Performance
Wallace first drew attention as a rookie in 2018 when he finished second to Austin Dillon at the Daytona 500. His next highest finish was another runner-up spot behind rookie Austin Cindric at the 2022 Daytona 500. This Indianapolis win is Wallace’s first since the 2021 YellaWood 500 at Talladega Speedway and marks his second victory as a member of the 23XI Racing team.
Addressing critics and detractors after the win, Wallace shared his mindset:
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, NASCAR Driver
Team Support and Resilience Amid Challenges
Throughout a difficult season marked by several Did Not Finish (DNF) results, Wallace maintained steadfast support from 23XI Racing and co-owner Denny Hamlin. Hamlin emphasized patience and perspective, saying:
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 Co-owner
Wallace’s career milestone includes an earlier achievement, as he became the first Black driver to win a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race back in 2014. Sunday’s Brickyard 400 victory adds a historic chapter for Black athletes in professional car racing and could enhance Wallace’s path toward the NASCAR playoffs as he strengthens his standing.
Rajah Caruth’s Breakthrough Victory in Truck Series Playoffs
Another significant moment in NASCAR came with Rajah Caruth’s first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win of the season at the Rackley Roofing 200 held at Nashville Superspeedway on May 30, 2025. Caruth, a Winston-Salem State University alumnus, celebrated a dramatic finish by leading the last 51 laps and finishing just over half a second ahead of competitor Corey Heim.
Caruth reflected on the race, stating:
I didn’t expect that at all,
and credited his team’s flawless performance:
Those guys were breathing out my neck the whole run. My pit crew won that race,
—Rajah Caruth, NASCAR Driver
Despite fierce competition from Corey Heim and Layne Riggs, Caruth’s determination helped bring home his second victory in the Truck Series. He described his mindset during the race:
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 Driver
This win ended a 31-race drought and secured Caruth’s playoff position with his No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado. The driver will soon compete in the upcoming Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs as he aims to build on his current momentum.
Current Standings and Notable Competitors in the Truck Series
Rajah Caruth currently holds the No. 10 spot in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series standings, boasting one victory from twelve starts and leading 186 laps throughout the season. He has achieved seven top-ten finishes, earning five playoff points. Taking the lead in playoff points is Corey Heim, who has accumulated 29 points, setting a high bar for competition in the playoffs.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Bubba Wallace’s baby been born?
A. Bubba and Amanda celebrated the birth of their baby by posting pictures from the hospital on Instagram. Their son, Becks Hayden Wallace, was born on September 29th.
Q. Has Bubba Wallace ever won a race?
A. Wallace earned his third NASCAR Cup win, which was his most significant achievement. This victory ended his 100-race losing streak that began after a 2022 Kansas win. He also claimed victory at Talladega in 2021. This marks his first win at one of NASCAR’s top four prestigious races.
Q. Is Bubba Wallace a dad?
A. NBC’s NASCAR account on X shared that Bubba Wallace became a father last September and is enjoying every moment of parenthood.
Q. Has Bubba Wallace ever won?
A. Wallace achieved a milestone by becoming the second Black driver to win in the Cup Series at Talladega Superspeedway in fall 2021. This marked his first career win and the first for the new 23XI Racing team. He secured his second victory at Kansas Speedway in 2022, this time racing in the No. 45 car.
