Bubba Wallace secured a historic victory at Talladega Superspeedway on Monday, winning the rain-shortened YellaWood 500. He not only earned his first NASCAR Cup Series win, he also became the first Black driver to win a race since NASCAR Hall of Fame enshrinee Wendell Scott won in 1963.
The momentous occasion — which occurred on the Mobile, Ala., native's home track — was Wallace's first win since he began racing in the Cup Series in 2017. It was also the first win for 23XI Racing owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.
MORE: NASCAR at Talladega live race updates, results, highlights from postponed YellaWood 500
NASCAR went under red flag conditions with three laps remaining in the second stage of Monday's race, which was postponed from its original start time Sunday due to inclement weather. Because the rain showed no sign of stopping, Wallace — who was in first place at the time the red flag was displayed — found out he won while sitting with his crew.
MORE: Wallace sees move to 23XI as increasing representation
Here's the moment Wallace heard word from NASCAR that he had won at 'Dega:
The moment Bubba Wallace found out🎉
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) October 4, 2021
(🎥 via @NASCARonNBC)pic.twitter.com/xahR95jokL
MORE: NASCAR's explanation of Wallace noose case at 'Dega in June 2020
The moment certainly wasn't lost on those who witnessed history made, both in racing circles and the sporting world at large. Here are some of the best reactions to Wallace's win:
A few words from MJ on our first Cup Series win in team history. pic.twitter.com/J35urIAXEY
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) October 5, 2021
Congrats @BubbaWallace!!!
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) October 4, 2021
So happy for @BubbaWallace 👏🏼👏🏼 https://t.co/EQQmqDdsUM
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) October 4, 2021
Congratulations @BubbaWallace on your first #NASCAR Cup Series win! We’re proud of you!
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) October 4, 2021
Job well done on a historic win @dennyhamlin, @23XIRacing, & @ToyotaRacing. #TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/5wggB9kiCa
Ryan Blaney explains how he has seen Bubba Wallace handle the ups and downs throughout his career, giving him a hug after the win and the significance of Wallace winning at Talladega: pic.twitter.com/GTPTbeOBli
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 4, 2021
So — Bubba Wallace just got his first win and is just the second Black diver to ever win a NASCAR race.
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) October 4, 2021
And Michael Jordan just got a win in his first year as an owner... https://t.co/bkPZZQ8EFN
Congratulations to my guy @BubbaWallace on winning today & making history 🏆 pic.twitter.com/lOK560pU0W
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) October 4, 2021
Finally, it's official, you've done it! Congratulations @BubbaWallace. So proud of you and what you've accomplished. Your win moves the @NASCAR needle forward on so many fronts. Glad I was a witness. @23XIRacing #BLM
— Bill Lester (@Bill_Lester) October 4, 2021
Hell yeah @BubbaWallace.
— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) October 4, 2021
Congratulations, brother.
💯💯💯💯💯💯
Congrats to @BubbaWallace & @23XIRacing!
— Chip Ganassi Racing (@CGRTeams) October 4, 2021
Sometimes it takes a little "push" to win 😉 pic.twitter.com/TRj01Z2WNw
Raining hard now @TALLADEGA
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) October 4, 2021
Don’t see how we get back going.
I’m bummed to be so close to winning and miss the shot.
I’m Thrilled to head to the roval with a nice points cushion.
I’m Happy for @BubbaWallace to get his first win.
Bubbaaaaaa. Congratulations Bro @BubbaWallace @NASCAR #talladega #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/bKvhIHzgiz
— BEAST (@BMarshall) October 4, 2021
Happy for ya pal, well done @BubbaWallace 👊🏼 https://t.co/etr332rtzR
— Chase Elliott (@chaseelliott) October 4, 2021
Congratulations @BubbaWallace & @23XIRacing on your first @nascar win today @TALLADEGA.
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) October 4, 2021