NASCAR Launches Investigation After Noose Found in Bubba Wallace’s Garage
Credit: AP/Wilfredo Lee
Wallace’s support of the ongoing protests have made him a target of harassment.
NASCAR racer Bubba Wallace, the only black racer in the sport, has spent the last month voicing his support for the ongoing police brutality protests and the Black Lives Matter movement in general. Recently, NASCAR officially banned the use of the Confederate flag on all tracks, cars, and promotional material, a decision caused by a movement led by Wallace. While the flag is now banned on NASCAR property, fans have taken to displaying the flag in track parking lots, alongside “Defund NASCAR” signs. Wallace’s actions have bred a spot of resentment in a certain crowd, which has become all the more apparent with an incident on Sunday night.
A noose was discovered in Wallace’s garage at Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama. The noose was discovered by a member of Wallace’s crew, and both NASCAR corporate and the police were immediately notified.
“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,” NASCAR said in an official statement. “We have launched an immediate investigation, and 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.”
On his personal Twitter, Wallace wrote out a brief message, expressing his disappointment and sadness at the act.
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) June 22, 2020
Several notable figures have spoken out in support of Wallace and condemnation of the perpetrator. “You would like to think that the country has changed for the better in the last 40-plus years. Unfortunately, in many ways it hasn’t,” said Richard Petty Motorsports co-owner Andrew Murstein.
“I am shocked and appalled to hear of yesterday’s vile act against Bubba Wallace in Talladega — there is no place for this disgusting display of hatred in our state,” said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey.
As of writing, no suspects have been named.
