Sports world reacts to Bubba Wallace's first NASCAR Cup Series win at Talladega

Zac Al-Khateeb

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Sports world reacts to Bubba Wallace's first NASCAR Cup Series win at Talladega image

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:

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:

Zac Al-Khateeb

Zac Al-Khateeb Photo

Zac Al-Khateeb has been part of The Sporting News team since 2015 after earning his Bachelor's (2013) and Master's (2014) degrees in journalism at the University of Alabama. Prior to joining TSN, he covered high school sports and general news in Alabama. A college sports specialist, Zac has been a voter for the Biletnikoff Award and Heisman Trophy since 2020.