The Brickyard 400 returns to Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend with another postseason berth on the line, but last year’s race proved just how unpredictable NASCAR’s crown jewel can be.
The 2025 edition featured changing weather, multiple overtime restarts and a dramatic finish that rewarded patience as much as speed. When it was over, one driver earned the biggest victory of his career and secured his place in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.
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Bubba Wallace captured the biggest win of his NASCAR career
Bubba Wallace won the 2025 Brickyard 400 after surviving rain delays, two overtime restarts and relentless pressure from Kyle Larson in the closing laps.
Driving the No. 23 Toyota for 23XI Racing, Wallace took the checkered flag 0.222 seconds ahead of Larson to score his first victory since September 2022 and the third Cup Series win of his career. The triumph also locked Wallace into the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.
The race turned late when a passing rain shower brought out a caution with Larson closing rapidly on Wallace. NASCAR halted the event to dry the track before sending the field back out for overtime.
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Wallace held the lead on the first restart, but another multi-car crash forced a second overtime attempt. Once the green flag flew again, Wallace executed another flawless restart and never allowed Larson an opportunity to challenge for the lead before taking the white flag and ultimately the victory.
After climbing from his car, Wallace called it the most meaningful win of his career.
“Oh, my gosh, I’m just so proud of this team,” Wallace said. “That adrenaline rush is crazy, ’cause I’m coming off that right now, and I’m worn out.”
He later added:
“It’s unbelievable. To win here at the Brickyard, knowing how big this race is, knowing all the noise that’s going on in the background, to set that all aside is a testament to these people here on this 23 team. It’s been getting old right around the cut line (for the playoffs).”
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The 2025 Brickyard 400 top-10 finishers
The race featured several strong performances despite the chaotic finish.
Larson appeared poised to challenge Wallace before the late caution shuffled strategy, but he acknowledged afterward there was little more he could have done on the overtime restarts.
Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin rallied from the rear of the field after crashing in qualifying to finish third, while Ryan Preece and Brad Keselowski delivered valuable top-five finishes for RFK Racing.
With another Brickyard 400 on deck this weekend, drivers will once again chase one of NASCAR’s most prestigious victories on the famed 2.5-mile oval. Last year’s race showed that at Indianapolis, even a dominant afternoon can quickly become a battle of survival when weather and overtime enter the equation.
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