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AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 27: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 leidos Toyota, waves to fans onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Echopark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on March 27, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

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AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 27: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 leidos Toyota, waves to fans onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Echopark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on March 27, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
Bubba Wallace is in many ways, truly one of the biggest pioneers in modern-day NASCAR. Yes, the 23XI Racing driver may not have a lot to show for when it comes to race wins and accolades, but his contribution to the sport as a whole can’t be ignored.
There is only 1 driver from an African American background at the top level of our sport..I am the 1. You're not gonna stop hearing about "the black driver" for years. Embrace it, accept it and enjoy the journey..
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) November 8, 2017
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It is with that in mind, perhaps, that he decided to team up with LEIDOS. The Reston, Virginia-based science and technology company aims to ‘change the culture’ in NASCAR, specifically in the area of diversity and inclusion.
“With all they do in the military field and embrace diversity and inclusion, it aligns with our core values,” said Wallace.
Read More: “They’ve Got to Get Viewers Somehow” – Bubba Wallace on Media Headlines That Put Him in a Box
“Kids that are looking up to me they might not want to drive necessarily, but they want to be part of the sport and want to see a familiar face on the pit crew.”
Bubba Wallace believes the culture in NASCAR is changing
Ever since he entered the sport, and especially since he joined his current team, which is owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, Bubba Wallace has been a big advocate for improving the sport on several fronts.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Bubba Wallace Reacts to NASCAR Boss Denny Hamlin’s “Unacceptable” NASCAR Criticism
And all his efforts and the conversations he’s started and promoted haven’t exactly paid off in a big way yet, but they haven’t also been a waste either. In fact, it is the process of change that Wallace feels is the reward, because it’s always “a journey.”

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FONTANA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 Wheaties Toyota, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Wise Power 400 at Auto Club Speedway on February 27, 2022 in Fontana, California. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
“I think the culture is changing,” he said. “It’s a journey. Because if you have an answer, then that means we have a destination, I don’t think this process ever has a destination.”
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“It’s always a journey.”
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