Over the weekend, NASCAR said in a statement that a noose was found in the garage of Bubba Wallace at the Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama on Sunday. Wallace is the only black driver on the circuit and NASCAR.
The statement read, “Late this afternoon, NASCAR was made aware that a noose was found in the garage stall of the 43 team. We are angry and outraged, and cannot state strongly enough how seriously we take this heinous act.”
It continued, NASCAR “will do everything we can to identify the person(s) responsible and eliminate them from the sport.”
“As we have stated unequivocally, there is no place for racism in NASCAR, and this act only strengthens our resolve to make the sport open and welcoming to all.”
Wallace took to Twitter to make his own statement on the issue.
He said, “Today’s despicable act of racism and hatred leaves me incredibly saddened and serves as a painful reminder of how much further we have to go as a society and how persistent we must be in the fight against racism.”
“Over the last several weeks, I have been overwhelmed by the support from people across the NASCAR industry, including other drivers and team members in the garage. Together, our sport has made a commitment to driving real change and championing a community that is accepting and welcoming of everyone.”
“Nothing is more important and we will not be deterred by the reprehensible actions of those who seek to spread hate. As my mother told me today, ‘They are just trying to scare you.’ This will not break me, I will not give in, nor will I back down. I will continue to proudly stand for what I believe in.”
Wallace became the first full-time black driver in almost 50 years to participate in the Cup Series earlier this month. His car was painted all black with “#BlackLivesMatter,” “compassion, love, understanding” and a white hand holding a black hand all painted on it.
