Over the last few years, Bubba Wallace has taken up the role of being more than just a racecar driver in NASCAR. The 23XI Racing driver hasn’t been one to shy away from commenting on issues that plague not only what goes on inside the sport, but outside as well, things, issues, and injustices that concern the society.
Recently, Wallace posted a heartbreaking message on his social media as he reacted to the new revelations about the death of Tyre Nichols. “I’ve sat here for 12 hours not knowing what to say. Still don’t. Tyre Nichols. I love you,” Wallace tweeted. “May you rest in peace my beautiful brother.”
I’ve sat here for 12 hours not knowing what to say. Still don’t.
Tyre Nichols. I love you. May you rest in peace my beautiful brother. pic.twitter.com/hCdjJKDh9G
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) January 28, 2023
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Bubba Wallace is “one of the leaders” of the changing culture in NASCAR
Before the start of the 2022 season, Bubba Wallace penned down an article in Sports Illustrated in which he reflected on his journey in the sport, the tough phase he went through in the summer of 2020, his role as an activist in bringing a change in NASCAR, and him being one of the leaders of the new face of the sport.
“We’re changing the face of NASCAR. I’m one of the leaders of that charge, on the forefront of those conversations and seeing what we could do as a sport to be better,” he wrote. “When I’m gone and retired, hopefully there will be more minorities that are behind the wheel or on a race team in some capacity.
“But there’s more to me and my legacy as an activist than simply being the only one.”
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Wallace encourages speaking up for “tough conversations”
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In the same article, the 23XI Racing driver once again emphasized that he is “an activist,” one who has a platform with a considerable amount of following. But he also appealed to those who may not have the same privileges that he has to also raise their voice against injustices.
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“I still encourage people who don’t have a platform, who feel like they don’t have a voice, to still speak up and have those tough conversations with your peers or colleagues, your bosses—whoever it may be,” he said.
Surely, Bubba Wallace has created a wave of change in the culture of NASCAR. The sport has now become more aware and more involved in things and matters it historically overlooked or didn’t do much in.
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Of course, this has alienated a lot of fans, leaving Wallace as an antagonist to some. But perhaps only time will tell how Wallace’s legacy shapes up—will he be remembered as a driver or as an activist in NASCAR?