INDIANAPOLIS -- For the first time in his Cup Series career, Bubba Wallace has won his way into the playoffs while picking up a crown jewel in the process.
The 23XI Racing driver, who led 30 laps, held off Kyle Larson on two overtime restarts at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday afternoon, and he saved enough fuel to make it to the end of the prestigious Brickyard 400. Yet, these details don't tell the full story.
BUBBA WALLACE IS A WINNER AT THE BRICKYARD! pic.twitter.com/5ITVgH9m8f
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 27, 2025
Wallace was in control of the Brickyard 400 in the closing laps after two things worked out in his favor. The first was a two-tire pit stop on Lap 120. This cycled him ahead of Larson and Denny Hamlin, the two drivers who had previously battled for control of the race.
The second factor that worked out was the removal of the only hurdle that Wallace needed to overcome at that point -- a three-time champion.
MORE: Full Indianapolis results
He needed to pass Joey Logano, who had cycled to first among the drivers who pitted. Wallace had more fuel, so he had the opportunity to put on extra pressure in the closing laps.
As it turned out, Wallace didn't have to harass Logano. The Team Penske driver blew a right-rear tire and had to make his way to pit road. This cycled Wallace to the lead.
It appeared that the 23XI Racing driver would have a smooth path to victory lane. He had a lead of five seconds over Larson with under 10 laps to go. However, light rain began to fall at the 2.5-mile track, which brought out the caution and then the red flag.
The drivers spent more than 18 minutes on pit road as crews worked to dry the track and then they headed out for an overtime restart.
Wallace led the field to the restart on the inside lane. Larson lined up on his outside. Once the green flag waved, the 23XI Racing driver cleared for the lead. He raced his way through Turns 1 and 2 as Larson tried to chase him down.
They did not take the white flag as Christopher Bell spun Zane Smith and sparked a multi-car crash. This sent the race to double overtime and created significant concerns about fuel mileage.
Charles Denike, the crew chief for the No. 23 team, didn't think Wallace had enough fuel for double overtime, but he couldn't bring his driver to pit road. He just had to commit, consequences be damned.
This move paid off. Wallace held off Larson on the double overtime restart, and he raced his way to the checkered flag. He then did a massive burnout on the frontstretch as a line of drivers headed down pit road to offer their congratulations.
Wallace is now a three-time Cup Series winner with trips to victory lane at Talladega Superspeedway, Kansas Speedway, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He also has a secure spot in the playoffs after entering the weekend on the cutline.
"I'm worn out," Wallace said after the race. "I thought things every which way besides driving a race car during that red flag. So proud of this Chumba Casino Toyota team. The adrenaline rush is crazy!
"I want to thank all these people behind me, all the men and women of Airspeed for making this possible. Welcome to victory lane, Becks (son)! It's pretty cool. To overcome so much and to put these people in victory lane, that's what it's all about. These people keep pushing me, believing in me. Man, just so proud. Thank you!"