Credited from: INDIATIMES
Bubba Wallace made history on Sunday by winning the Brickyard 400, becoming the first Black driver to win on the iconic 2.5-mile oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race was tense, with Wallace navigating a late rain delay, fuel concerns, and intense competition from defending champion Kyle Larson. This victory marks Wallace's third NASCAR Cup win and his first at one of NASCAR's crown jewel events, breaking a winless streak that dated back to 2022 at Kansas, according to CBS News, HuffPost, and India Times.
Wallace expressed his disbelief over the victory, stating on his radio, “Unbelievable,” as he crossed the finish line with a narrow margin of 0.222 seconds ahead of Larson. With just 14 laps remaining, Larson had been trailing by more than five seconds, but a sudden rain brought out a yellow flag, delaying the race and giving Wallace time to refine his strategy. The final laps were a test of skill and nerve, as a crash brought out a second overtime, prompting concerns about the fuel status of Wallace's car, according to CBS News and HuffPost.
This historic win not only secures a spot for Wallace in the playoffs but also serves as a significant milestone for the 23XI Racing team, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, as they continue to navigate legal challenges with NASCAR. "This one’s really cool," Wallace remarked after the race, acknowledging the deep significance of his achievement in a predominantly white sport. As part of his celebratory moment, Larson congratulated Wallace, affirming the significance of the victory, according to CBS News, HuffPost, and India Times.