(Video) Bubba Wallace Downplays Significance of Indy Cup Win in Front of Dale Earnhardt Jr.

23XI Racing star Bubba Wallace did not yet seem to understand the importance of winning the iconic Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis.

(Video) Bubba Wallace Downplays Significance of Indy Cup Win in Front of Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Bubba Wallace (images via IMAGO), Bubba Wallace on Dale Jr. Download (via @DirtyMoMedia/X)

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NASCAR star Bubba Wallace emerged victorious at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway last weekend. He created history by being the first African-American to win the prestigious Brickyard 400. The 23XI Racing star was overwhelmed as he made his way to Victory Lane. However, as the dust settles in, Wallace has admitted to NASCAR veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr. that the race was just another victory from his perspective.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the most important tracks in the world of racing. Apart from NASCAR’s Brickyard 400, the track hosts the legendary Indy 500, a crown jewel in motorsport. Thus, the speedway holds significance for every driver. Though, Bubba Wallace does not see it as an incredibly important moment of his career.

Speaking to Dale Earnhardt Jr., Wallace recalled his conversation with IndyCar star Scott McLaughlin. The 31-year-old admitted that winning at the Brickyard was a major feat. However, in his eyes, the 23XI Racing star simply saw it as just another race on the NASCAR calendar.

 I was just sitting here texting with Scott McLaughlin and he’s a big indie guy and winning the Brickyard 400 is awesome. It’s really, really cool. It’s special. But I think there’s bigger levels to it for other people. (0:10) It’s just another race for me, right?

Bubba Wallace said on Dale Jr. Download.

Bubba Wallace claimed that while he was more focused on finally securing a spot in the Playoffs, McLaughlin was keen to highlight that he won at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Wallace insisted that he wasn’t trying to downplay the race’s legacy. Though, he simply didn’t see it as anything more special than other races.

He was like, ‘Has it sunk in yet?’ And I was like, yeah, this is actually really cool. I’m pumped that we’re locked in the playoffs. He was like, ‘Yeah, you won at indie though.’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, like it’s awesome’. I don’t mean to downplay it at all, but I’ve just been a guy that doesn’t matter if it’s Daytona, Bristol, indie, every race is the same race.

Bubba Wallace added.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. exposes reason behind Bubba Wallace’s lack of importance for Indy win

Dale Earnhardt Jr. knows the ins and outs of NASCAR. The former Cup champion understands exactly what goes on in the mind of current racing drivers including Bubba Wallace. Dale Jr. even figured out why the 23XI Racing star could not truly value his triumph at the Brickyard 400.

Bubba Wallace's Brickyard 400 win (via AP)
Bubba Wallace’s Brickyard 400 win (via AP)

Bubba Wallace is still in the early stages of his Cup career. The 31-year-old has a long way to go before he could be considered as one of the best drivers on the grid. Dale Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that presently Wallace was simply focused on getting results irrespective of the racetrack. However, once the Toyota driver comes to the latter half of his career, he will truly understand and appreciate his victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

 You know, you’re right in the middle of a career and the way your mind has to work, got to be kind of programmed that way. And you’ll probably understand or better appreciate or take more stock in the size of the win or the enormity of winning at indie down the road when you’re getting toward the book end of that career. 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. said.

While Wallace’s comments make it seem like he doesn’t care about the importance of the Brickyard win, the race victory was indeed a milestone in the 31-year-old’s career. The Toyota driver ended his 100-race winless streak with his win and will be making his way into the Playoffs. Though, the pressure is set to increase on Bubba Wallace as he tries to potentially win his first-ever Cup championship.

Read More: Richard Petty Reveals Why He Won’t Congratulate Ex-Driver Bubba Wallace for Brickyard 400 win