Rain stopped the NASCAR playoff race at Talladega Superspeedway on Monday, but by no means did it put a damper on Bubba Wallace’s historic victory.
The 27-year-old’s first NASCAR Cup Series win made him only the second Black winner in series history. Wendell Scott first did so in December 1963. According to ESPN’s Stats & Information research, 2,040 races had taken place since Scott’s victory.
For Wallace, he is the first driver since Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in 2017 to get his first career Cup victory at Talladega. It is Wallace’s first victory in any of NASCAR’s top series since a Truck series win at Michigan in August 2017.
With plenty of history to contextualize and good vibes to go around, let’s see how Wallace and social media took in the historic win.
Bubba takes in the moment
Once the race was officially called because of rain, Wallace celebrated his Talladega milestone amid his first season driving for 23X1 Racing, which is owned by fellow racer Denny Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan.
THE WINNING MOMENT.@BubbaWallace | @23XIRacing pic.twitter.com/sXiOppkxHN
– NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 4, 2021
Wallace shared his raw emotions and some advice for younger fans after processing what he accomplished Monday.
“When you say it like that, it brings a lot of emotion and joy to my family, fans, friends…just proud to be a winner in the Cup Series.” – @BubbaWallace https://t.co/TZJo8DkvFK
– 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) October 4, 2021
The love pours in
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan, who joined Jordan Brand in 2019, offered his best wishes for Wallace’s victory.
Congrats @BubbaWallace @23XIRacing https://t.co/nnO1RHgNvK
– cameron jordan (@camjordan94) October 4, 2021
Since we’re mentioning friends and sponsorships, DoorDash, which signed Wallace to a multiyear spokesperson deal in August 2020, joined in on sending good energy to Talladega.
The food delivery service had some big-name company in congratulating Wallace on Monday.
Massive congratulations to @BubbaWallace and @23XIRacing for his historic win at @TALLADEGA! ������ pic.twitter.com/IFB6rihd4f
– DoorDash (@DoorDash) October 4, 2021
So happy for @BubbaWallace �������� https://t.co/EQQmqDdsUM
– Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) 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
@BubbaWallace you did it, you made a lot of history today, congrats to you and the entire team!
– Darrell Waltrip (@AllWaltrip) October 4, 2021
Congratulations to my guy @BubbaWallace on winning today & making history �� pic.twitter.com/lOK560pU0W
– Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) October 4, 2021
So – Bubba Wallace just got his first win and is just the second Black diver to ever win a NASCAR race.
And Michael Jordan just got a win in his first year as an owner… https://t.co/bkPZZQ8EFN
– Rex Chapman���� (@RexChapman) October 4, 2021