USA Today via Reuters
Mar 27, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) before the start of the EchoPark Automotive Texas Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 27, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) before the start of the EchoPark Automotive Texas Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
On April 15th, 1947, Jackie Robinson tore down several barriers. He became the first African-American person to play in the Major League Baseball league. Since then, he has gone on to become incredibly successful in his field. Recently, on the 75th anniversary of his debut, fondly dubbed ‘Jackie Robinson Day’, Bubba Wallace paid tribute to him.
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As a fellow African-American athlete, Wallace himself knows what it’s like to face adversity. The 23XI Racing driver has been inspired by several colored athletes, and we can be sure that Robinson was one of them. He wrote, “75 years. He paved the path for the path for many, he was the ultimate trailblazer.”
READ MORE: Bubba Wallace Reveals University Coach’s Cool Advice to Fend Off the NASCAR Haters
In his long and illustrious career, Robinson helped guide the then Brooklyn Dodgers to the 1955 World Series title. In addition to that, he also boasts of a 1947 MLB Rookie of the Year, the 1949 NL MVP award, and many more. When he eventually hung up his cleats, the team opted to retire his iconic #42 jersey. So it is no surprise that Wallace looked up to the late MLB Hall of Famer.
What is Bubba Wallace doing now?
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At the moment, Bubba Wallace is in the midst of the 2022 NASCAR Cup season. So far, things have been fairly up and down for him. His best finish this season is a 2nd place at the Daytona International Speedway during the Daytona 500. Since then though, his results have dipped and he has not breached the Top 10 very often.
The ultimate trailblazer 👣
Today we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier and paving the way for athletes across all sports. #Jackie42 https://t.co/YFhTby3Zlw
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) April 15, 2022
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On the bright side, the season is still long and Wallace will have plenty of chances to redeem himself. His 2nd place at Daytona, and teammate Kurt Busch’s results have proven that the car is capable of good results. However, he will have his work cut out for him this weekend at the Bristol Motor Speedway dirt race. This is because he is starting all the way back in 22nd, while Busch starts 13th.
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