Noose found in garage of NASCAR’s only full-time black driver Bubba Wallace as ‘heinous’ act in Alabama condemned

An African-American NASCAR driver who found a noose in his garage insists he will ‘not back down’ in his battle to eradicate racism from the sport.

Bubba Wallace, who recently campaigned successfully to have the Confederate flag banned from NASCAR events, is the only full-time black driver in the Cup Series.


Bubba Wallace, pictured wearing a Black Lives Matter T-shirt ahead of a race earlier this month

Getty Images

The sport’s governing body revealed the noose had been discovered in Wallace’s garage stall at the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.

“Late this afternoon, NASCAR was made aware that a noose was found in the garage stall of the 43 team,” read a statement.

“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 Wallace led a successful campaign to ban the Confederate flag from NASCAR events

Getty Images

Responding to the incident, Wallace released his own statement on Twitter, praising the largely-positive response to his recent campaigns while condemning the ‘reprehensible action’ of placing a noose in his garage.

“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,” he wrote.

“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.”

The lack of diversity in motorsport saw Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton launch his own commission to bring more black people to the fore.

Hamilton also revealed on Twitter that he had joined Sunday’s Black Lives Matter protests in Hyde Park, seemingly incognito.

He wrote: “Went down to Hyde Park today for the peaceful protest and I was so proud to see in person so many people of all races and backgrounds supporting this movement. It was really moving. I’m feeling extremely positive that change will come, but we cannot stop now. #blacklivesmatter.”


Source: TalkSport.com Motorsport