MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

Bubba Wallace’s ‘powerful' pre-race moment from NASCAR lauded as inspiring, Internet hails 'message of unity'

Only moments before the race began, Wallace was joined by 39 other drivers and crew members as they marched down pit road, pushing his No 43 to the front line after a noose was found in his garage stall

BY CHAITRA KRISHNAMURTHY

UPDATED JUN 23, 2020

Following the rather emotional race on Monday (June 22), NASCAR’s only full-time driver Bubba Wallace told the crowd, “the sport is changing”, as they unanimously cheered him while he was seen clad in tee-shirt that read “Black Lives Matter” and “I Can’t Breathe”.

Only moments before the race began, Wallace was joined by 39 other drivers and crew members as they marched down pit road, pushing his No 43 to the front line after a noose was found in his garage stall. Although Wallace couldn’t finish the race first owing to shortage of fuel, and stood 14th he’s clearly emerged a winner in the eyes of fans who are extremely proud of him for supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. On completing the race, Wallace said "The pre-race deal was probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to witness in my life. From all the supporters, from drivers to crew members, everybody here, the bad-ass fan base, thank you guys for coming out. This is truly incredible and I'm glad to be a part of this sport.''

Standing defiant against racism, Wallace is serving as an inspiration to many, who took to Twitter to laud him for his bravery. While one wrote, “This is a powerful moment! What an amazing and human think to do for this man!!! Love it! Bubba is honestly what made me attend my first NASCAR race.”

Another added, “I never thought I would break into tears watching @NASCAR. Thank you for supporting #BlackLivesMatter and @BubbaWallace with your beautiful message of unity! So proud of all the drivers, crews, and fans for coming together.”

Some have praised NASCAR for extending their support towards bringing justice to the black community. One wrote “I am 100% proud to call myself a @NASCAR fan! Being able to change, adapt, and come together as one during this tough time... Thank you! @BubbaWallace I am proud to call myself a fan of yours!”

“Sorry about what happened. If I knew who it was I would fly out there and they would hear from me. And people shouldn't do that to any no matter their race. Budda I am 100% behind you man,” added another.