NASCAR MEDIA CONFERENCE

October 4, 2021

Bubba Wallace

On Track

An Interview with:

Q. Immediately when you found out, what emotions were going through your mind as you were waiting for an official announcement from NASCAR?

BUBBA WALLACE: Part of me is sitting there waiting. It's not over with. Just sit there, bide our time. If we go back racing, that's fine, put ourselves in position.

Had so many cool fans behind us at the pit box cheering for it to rain. That amped up the intensity a little bit.

Just so proud of everybody at 23XI. New team coming in and getting a win late in the season. Reminds me kind of 2013. Waited so long to get that first truck win.

I know a lot of history was made today I believe, which is really cool. But it's about my guys, about our team, what we've done. Appreciate Michael Jordan, appreciate Denny for believing in me, giving me an opportunity.

Like we talked, it's pretty fitting that it comes here at Talladega.

Q. The second African American, first since Wendell Scott, to get to the Victory Lane at this level.

BUBBA WALLACE: Yeah, I never think about those things. 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 got to be a winner in the Cup Series.

Q. The significance of doing it here. Almost appropriate, isn't it? You told me last year a low point for you. To get the first win here, significant?

BUBBA WALLACE: Yeah, for sure. This is for all those kids out there that want to have an opportunity in whatever they want to achieve, be the best at what they do.

You're going to go through a lot of bullshit. But you always got to stick true to your path and not let the nonsense get to you, stay strong, stay humble, stay hungry. Been plenty of times where I wanted to give up. You surround yourself with the right people, it's moments like this that you appreciate.

Q. There's a lot of people in this garage area and around the world that are very proud of you right now. Congratulations.

BUBBA WALLACE: Thank you. Appreciate it.