Indianapolis, IN — NASCAR fans were left buzzing after Bubba Wallace’s breakthrough victory at the Brickyard 400, but it was teammate and veteran driver Denny Hamlin who shed light on the strategic secret behind the win. In a post-race interview that stirred both admiration and intrigue, Hamlin pulled back the curtain on what he calls “the key” to Wallace’s success on one of the most historic tracks in motorsport.
The Brickyard 400, held at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, has long been considered one of the crown jewels of the NASCAR Cup Series. Bubba Wallace’s win marked a milestone moment — not just for his career, but for 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan.
Speaking to reporters after the race, Hamlin didn’t mince words: “What people don’t see on race day is the preparation. Bubba and the crew made a decision this weekend that turned everything around — they chose to sacrifice qualifying speed for long-run pace. That was the key.”
According to Hamlin, the team prioritized car balance and tire management over sheer speed in qualifying laps. While Wallace didn’t start on the front row, his Toyota Camry came alive as the race wore on, gaining ground steadily during long green-flag runs.
“He was calm, focused, and most importantly — patient,” Hamlin added. “That’s something we’ve been working on. This track rewards maturity, and today, Bubba showed he has it.”
The strategy became evident around Lap 90, when Wallace stayed out longer than most during a caution, gaining track position and clean air. From that moment, he defended his lead with precision, holding off veterans like Kyle Larson and Joey Logano to claim the checkered flag.
For Wallace, the win silenced critics and reaffirmed his place in the sport’s top tier. “We stuck to the plan. The guys gave me a rocket ship today, and I just had to do my job,” Wallace said in Victory Lane, his voice choked with emotion.
NASCAR analysts have praised the race as a turning point for 23XI Racing — a culmination of smart engineering, bold calls on the pit wall, and Wallace’s ever-improving racecraft. But it was Hamlin’s behind-the-scenes revelation that captured headlines: the decision to think long-term, even in a sport that often rewards short-term aggression.
“The Brickyard doesn’t hand out wins easily,” Hamlin concluded. “This one was earned — every lap, every adjustment, every decision. And I couldn’t be prouder.”
As the playoffs loom, Wallace’s victory sends a strong message: with the right mindset and strategy, he’s not just competing — he’s contending.
Indianapolis, IN — NASCAR fans were left buzzing after Bubba Wallace’s breakthrough victory at the Brickyard 400, but it was teammate and veteran driver Denny Hamlin who shed light on the strategic secret behind the win. In a post-race interview that stirred both admiration and intrigue, Hamlin pulled back the curtain on what he calls “the key” to Wallace’s success on one of the most historic tracks in motorsport.
The Brickyard 400, held at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, has long been considered one of the crown jewels of the NASCAR Cup Series. Bubba Wallace’s win marked a milestone moment — not just for his career, but for 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan.
Speaking to reporters after the race, Hamlin didn’t mince words: “What people don’t see on race day is the preparation. Bubba and the crew made a decision this weekend that turned everything around — they chose to sacrifice qualifying speed for long-run pace. That was the key.”
According to Hamlin, the team prioritized car balance and tire management over sheer speed in qualifying laps. While Wallace didn’t start on the front row, his Toyota Camry came alive as the race wore on, gaining ground steadily during long green-flag runs.
“He was calm, focused, and most importantly — patient,” Hamlin added. “That’s something we’ve been working on. This track rewards maturity, and today, Bubba showed he has it.”
The strategy became evident around Lap 90, when Wallace stayed out longer than most during a caution, gaining track position and clean air. From that moment, he defended his lead with precision, holding off veterans like Kyle Larson and Joey Logano to claim the checkered flag.
For Wallace, the win silenced critics and reaffirmed his place in the sport’s top tier. “We stuck to the plan. The guys gave me a rocket ship today, and I just had to do my job,” Wallace said in Victory Lane, his voice choked with emotion.
NASCAR analysts have praised the race as a turning point for 23XI Racing — a culmination of smart engineering, bold calls on the pit wall, and Wallace’s ever-improving racecraft. But it was Hamlin’s behind-the-scenes revelation that captured headlines: the decision to think long-term, even in a sport that often rewards short-term aggression.
“The Brickyard doesn’t hand out wins easily,” Hamlin concluded. “This one was earned — every lap, every adjustment, every decision. And I couldn’t be prouder.”
As the playoffs loom, Wallace’s victory sends a strong message: with the right mindset and strategy, he’s not just competing — he’s contending.
