Absolutely disgusting.
A noose was found hanging in Bubba Wallace’s garage during yesterday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama. Wallace is the sport’s only black driver and, in an effort to make the sport more inclusive and comfortable for its fans in the black community, NASCAR recently banned the display of Confederate flags at its events.
I would imagine there are security cameras in the garages, which also have pretty strict access. Hopefully it won’t be too difficult to catch this scumbag.
NASCAR released the following statement on this despicable act:
“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. 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.”
Bubba responded with his own thoughts via Twitter:
NASCAR has worked hard to shed the “racist redneck” stereotype that is often times placed on the sport and this kind of shit just goes to further that perception. Not only is it completely disgusting, shameful, and violent act towards Wallace, it sets the entire sport back.
And of course, a plane flying a Confederate flag with the words “Defund NASCAR” was also spotted in the skies about Talladega.
The race, which was open to 5,000 fans, was suspended due to inclement weather and will resume this afternoon at 3pm ET.
