Photo: Getty Images
Bubba Wallace has made history!
On Monday (October 4), the 27-year-old race car driver — who is the only full-time Black American driver in NASCAR's three national series (Cup, Xfinity, and Truck) — won his first NASCAR Cup Series victory at Talladega Superspeedway.
Bubba's victory marks the first time a Black driver has won in NASCAR’s elite Cup level since NASCAR Hall of Famer Wendell Scott’s lone victory in 1963.
“This is for all the kids out there that want to have an opportunity and whatever they want to achieve, and be the best at what they want to do,” Bubba said through tears after his historic win. “You’re going to go through a lot of [BS]. But you always got to stick true to your path and not let the nonsense get to you... Stay strong. Stay humble. Stay hungry. Been plenty of times when I wanted to give up."
Photo: Getty Images
Bubba's win also marks the first victory for 23XI Racing — the Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin-owned organization, which is in its first season.
MJ and Denny tapped Bubba last year after he drove three years with Richard Petty Motorsport.
Bubba is the only Black American driver to win more than once in NASCAR's three national series.