Bubba Wallace is taking us behind the seasons to show us what it’s like working for MJ.
The driver of the #23 car is teaming up with Netflix for a documentary series that will chronicle his first season driving for 23XI Racing, which is co-owned by Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin.
You know me…I like to keep things real and raw. Pumped to have @netflix capture these moments to share with you guys. 🤘🏾
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) April 22, 2021
Produced by 300 Studios and Boardwalk Pictures, the series is being directed by Erik Parker, who has also produced the 2017 documentary “L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later.”
According to Netflix, “the series will take viewers behind the scenes of the 2021 NASCAR season through the eyes of the only Black driver at the top level of the sport, and will explore Wallace, 23XI Racing, and NASCAR’s efforts to advocate for inclusion and equality in racing and beyond.”
Bubba Wallace has been an outspoken advocate for racial justice, and was thrust into the spotlight last year when it was reported that a noose was found in his garage stall at Talladega. An FBI investigation later determined that the noose was actually a garage pull on his stall door.
He’s also drawn more than enough criticism from NASCAR fans for his advocacy, though the sport has rallied around Wallace and shown their support, with NASCAR ultimately making the decision to ban confederate flags from their events after calls from Wallace.
NASCAR drivers rally around Bubba Wallace and push his car in emotional moment at Talladega https://t.co/x6i9ZQ9yYh pic.twitter.com/dCkFsWCZpO
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 23, 2020
.@Blaney is now standing next to Bubba for the national anthem.
The rest of the entire garage is still behind the No. 43 car on pit road, standing as a collective unit.
The #NASCAR family. What a scene. pic.twitter.com/VZA0xCDM0n
— Davey Segal (@DaveyCenter) June 22, 2020
This also isn’t the first foray for Netflix into the racing world.
Their Formula 1: Drive to Survive docuseries, now in its third season, has been wildly popular and is credited with expanding the sport’s popularity to new fans who ordinarily wouldn’t watch motorsports.
A release date hasn’t been announced for their documentary on Wallace and the 23XI Racing team, but many in the sport obviously hope that it has the same effect that Formula 1: Drive to Survive had on the open-wheel racing season.
Nothing pathetic about Netflix documentary on Bubba Wallace & 23XI Racing. Wallace attracts interest from those who don't regularly watch NASCAR. Maybe viewers become new fans & watch on TV or attend a race, which can increase interest not just in Wallace but all drivers/teams. https://t.co/VAQwVeengT
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 22, 2021
And as for those who criticize the idea of a documentary centered on Wallace?
Well, it doesn’t seem like his car owner cares too much about that.
Bob. You are replying to a account with 16 followers and no profile. Please make better decisions. Thanks https://t.co/AC6NKDILoJ
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) April 22, 2021
