To stay ahead in a race, one must make sure they have the utmost strength and focus to navigate through the competition. However, what happens when all your efforts are overshadowed by a hate message that was clearly uncalled for?
23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace recently experienced a similar incident.
After finishing the All-Star Race as a runner-up to Kyle Larson, Wallace’s efforts were marred as someone hacked into the #23 team’s radio channel to leave a derogatory message for the driver. The unknown person said, “Go back to where you came from. You a******. You’re not wanted in NASCAR.”
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Steve Lauletta reacts to NASCAR’s take on the incident
Taking swift action on the matter, NASCAR assured that the officials are investigating the derogatory comments directed towards 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace. Being the only African American driver in the Cup Series at present, the governing body recognizes the severity of the incident and is working towards identifying the perpetrator.
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Meanwhile, Michael Jordan owned $150 million worth 23XI Racing’s President Steve Lauletta took to Twitter to share his opinions. Hoping for a better world where everyone is treated equally, Lauletta wrote,
“And unfortunately not the first time, still waiting for a time when EVERYONE will be treated with the same level of respect. All of us @23XIRacing will keep pushing to provide @BubbaWallace all he needs to succeed on and off the track #ForwardTogether.”
And unfortunately not the first time, still waiting for a time when EVERYONE will be treated with the same level of respect. All of us @23XIRacing will keep pushing to provide @BubbaWallace all he needs to succeed on and off the track #ForwardTogether https://t.co/0WoWCM70yz
— Steve Lauletta (@slauletta) May 22, 2023
Bubba Wallace reacts to receiving the intense amount of hate at North Wilkesboro
Prior to his Cup Series race at North Wilkesboro, Bubba Wallace ran in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at the Speedway. Finishing fifth in the race, Wallace was welcomed with axn overwhelming flood of boos from the fans in the stand. Although the 23XI Racing driver tried to stay calm and composed through it all, he did share his views in a post-race interview. When the reporter asked Wallace how all the booing makes him feel, he replied,
” It’s every week. It’s sports, it’s always going to be there. You’re really close to the stage, it does make a difference, it’s gonna be there every weekend.
As long as you continue to live your life judging a book by its cover, that’s who you are. Don’t change it up for anybody else. That’s the biggest thing. I finished 5th, I got a good payday, I’m good.”
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With two top-5 finishes over the weekend, Bubba Wallace is happy with his performance. Even though the 23XI driver did not hear the derogatory statements over the radio, as confirmed by his team’s spokesperson, the governing body has confirmed that a security operation investigation is in process.
READ MORE: Bubba Wallace Basks in the Spotlight as Fans and Critics Can’t Stop Talking About Him