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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 16: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #45 McDonald’s Toyota, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 16, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 16: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #45 McDonald’s Toyota, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 16, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
In many ways, Bubba Wallace is carving out his own unique legacy in NASCAR through his role in the sport of being more than just a racecar driver. The 23XI Racing driver has been and continues to be a big advocate for equal opportunities, making the sport a more inclusive place for all, the mental health of drivers, and more.
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However, as unique as his legacy may turn out to be, arguably the biggest moment and certainly the most special for him would be his win at Talladega in 2021.
Not only was it Wallace’s first win in the Cup Series, but it was also the first time a black driver had won a NASCAR Cup race since the late Wendell Scott in 1963.
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TALLADEGA, ALABAMA – OCTOBER 01: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #45 Leidos Toyota, waits on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 01, 2022 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Wallace highlighted the significance of his own and of his community’s achievements. He acknowledged the podium he was standing on, which Scott more or less built decades and decades ago.
It’s worth mentioning that the Bubba Wallace association with Wendell Scott stretches beyond just that moment in Talladega. The #23 driver also shared the stage with Frank Scott, the son of the late driver, while he received the long overdue trophy of his father’s ’63 win.
Quite recently too, Wallace shared an Instagram post on his story from the Wendell Scott Foundation about his life & legacy.
Watch This Story: From Rookie Of The Year To Cup Series Icon : Bubba Wallace’s Racing Journey Through The Years
Bubba Wallace admitted after Talladega, he isn’t one to think about “those things”
Speaking after his historic race win at Talladega in 2021, they flooded Bubba Wallace with questions and statements from left, right, and center about the significance of his win and what it represents in the larger context.
However, the NASCAR driver, while acknowledging the importance, played down the larger sentiment as he emphasized his focus to be on the simple aspects.
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TALLADEGA, ALABAMA – OCTOBER 04: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 McDonald’s Toyota, (R) and Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, talk on the grid during a rain delay in the NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 04, 2021 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
“I never think about those things,” Wallace said when quizzed about being only second to Wendell Scott, according to Insider. “When you say it like that, it obviously brings a lot of emotion. A lot of joy. To my family, fans, friends. It’s pretty damn cool.”
“Just proud to be a winner in the Cup Series.”
Also Read: Bubba Wallace’s Fiancee Hypes Up the NASCAR Driver as T-10 Countdown Kicks In on Their Big Day
