Against all odds, Bubba Wallace roared to victory at Duel 1 at Daytona International Speedway, delivering a statement win that could shake up the 2025 Daytona 500.
For a driver who has endured heartbreak at Daytona time and time again, this win marks a turning point. Wallace, piloting the No. 23 Toyota for 23XI Racing, wasn’t just fast—he was dominant, leading 20 laps of the 60-lap Duel and holding off defending Daytona 500 winner William Byron in a thrilling finish.
This victory extends Toyota’s Duel win streak and, more importantly, gives Wallace a confidence boost heading into Sunday’s Great American Race.
Bubba Wallace: “I Got One Now, I’m Good”
After Tyler Reddick won a Duel last year, Wallace was determined to get his own moment of glory—and his teammate played a key role in making it happen.
Speaking after the race, Wallace didn’t hold back on how much this win meant to him:
“Thanks to Tyler, it was awesome to see two teams work together so well and learn a lot for Sunday. Did a great job pushing me. My McDonald’s Toyota Camry was really fast, two different balances from being at the back to being out front. Got some work to do there but all in all, I’ve been wanting these duel wins for so long. All my buddies have got them. Tyler got one last year, I was p—– off. I got one now, I’m good.”
While a Duel win doesn’t count as a points-paying Cup Series victory, it proves Wallace is a force to be reckoned with in the draft—something that could make the difference when it matters most.
Wallace’s Daytona Struggles: Could This Be the Year?
Despite his undeniable talent on superspeedways, Daytona has been a place of near-misses for Wallace.
- Two runner-up finishes in the Daytona 500
- Zero wins in 15 career Daytona starts
- Heartbreakingly close to victory in previous attempts
In 2024, Wallace finished fifth in the 500, showcasing his elite drafting ability and ability to stay in contention. This year, he has one advantage he’s never had before—momentum.
With third place on the starting grid, Wallace is in prime position to finally break through at Daytona.
Can Wallace Shock the Field in the Daytona 500?
Despite Chase Briscoe and Austin Cindric locking out the front row, Wallace has already proven he can beat the best—and he has Toyota power behind him.
His composure in the draft, chemistry with Reddick, and proven ability to lead laps make him a genuine contender on Sunday.
For years, Wallace has been on the doorstep of greatness at Daytona. Now, with his first Duel win under his belt, is he ready to shatter expectations and claim NASCAR’s biggest prize?
One thing is certain—nobody is sleeping on Bubba Wallace anymore.
