Concord’s own Bubba Wallace, top driver of Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing, just became the second African American in history to place first in NASCAR’s elite Cup level, winning last night at Talladega. The last time a black driver accomplished the feat was back in 1963 when Wendell Scott won the Cup Series race at Speedway Park in Jacksonville, Fl.
“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,” Wallace said after the race. “Stay strong. Stay humble. Stay hungry. Been plenty of times when I wanted to give up, but you always got to stick true to your path and not let the nonsense get to you.”
.@BubbaWallace becomes the first Black driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race since #NASCARHOF inductee Wendell Scott in 1963. pic.twitter.com/5lVzMFxjnB
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 4, 2021
Happy for ya pal, well done @BubbaWallace 👊🏼 https://t.co/etr332rtzR
— Chase Elliott (@chaseelliott) October 4, 2021
After the historic win, team co-owner Michael Jordan said, “I’m so happy for Bubba and our entire 23X1 racing team. This is a huge milestone and historic win for us. From the day we signed him, I knew Bubba had the talent to win and Denny and I could not be more proud of him. Let’s go!”
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 Bubba!