In a disturbing turn of events, Bubba Wallace, the only full-time black driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, was subjected to a racist message after an unidentified individual tapped into his radio during the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
The incident has sparked outrage within the racing community and prompted NASCAR to launch a comprehensive investigation to identify and expose the perpetrators behind these hateful attacks.
Bubba Wallace Subjected to Racist Remarks as His Radio Got Infiltrated
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Several fans reported overhearing offensive comments, including phrases such as “Go back to where you came from, you a**hole” and “You’re not wanted in NASCAR.”
Although Wallace’s team, 23XI Racing, confirmed that the driver did not hear the derogatory remark, audio of the incident has circulated online, raising concerns about the ongoing racist taunts directed at Wallace. Furthermore, Wallace has been subjected to boos from fans at recent races.
Racist assholes. https://t.co/jzYPbwQhRZ pic.twitter.com/gJIyZqYO3j
— Derek Gobble (@derekgobble_) May 22, 2023
Following the incident involving the infiltrated radio communications, NASCAR has taken immediate action. Security personnel within the organization are conducting a thorough investigation to identify the individuals responsible for the unauthorized access to Bubba Wallace’s team radio.
#NASCAR security is investigating a derogatory comments directed toward @BubbaWallace on his scanner immediately after the race. According to @23XIRacing he did not hear them at the time
— Jim Utter (@jim_utter) May 22, 2023
This incident comes on the heels of a prior hate crime investigation by the FBI involving Wallace. Earlier, a noose was discovered in his garage, which prompted an extensive inquiry. Ultimately, it was determined that the noose was a pull-down rope, fashioned in the style of a hangman’s knot which was a part of the garage.
WATCH THIS STORY: “I Mean…”—North Wilkesboro Reviver Dale Earnhardt Jr Gives Verdict on His Participation in the 2023 All-Star Race
Despite the unsettling radio incident, Wallace’s performance during the race was notable.
Bubba Wallace Was All Praises for Kyle Larson Post the All-Star Race
Trending
Ryan Blaney Risking Upsetting His Soon to Be Wife as He Reveals His Plans for the Off-Season After Failing to Defend His Title
New Parents Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett Share Their Complete Family Photo, and Fans Pour in Love for Baby Stewart
“Bad to the Bone”- Fans Left Dazzled by Danica Patrick’s Sizzling Las Vegas GP Reveal
Who Is Chase Elliott’s Girlfriend Ashley Anderson? Everything You Need to Know About NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver’s Rumored Love Interest
Martin Truex Jr. Girlfriend: Who Is Emily Collins, the Former JGR Star’s Red Carpet Flame
Wallace finished second to Kyle Larson, with a mere 4.537-second gap between them. This marked a strong showing for 23XI Racing, as Wallace’s teammate Tyler Reddick also had an impressive third-place finish. Both drivers achieved their best All-Star Race finishes on this stellar Sunday night at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway.
Reflecting on the race, Wallace, as per NASCAR.com, expressed pride in his team’s performance, “Larson was lights out, so congrats to him. Cliff and those guys, they’ve been hitting it on the head, really, all season. So to run second to them is not a bad thing, but to run second in the All-Star Race sucks, right? You go home with nothing but proud of my team.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Wallace started in the 10th position, while Reddick began in the 20th position based on the results of Saturday’s qualifying heats. The track’s worn surface presented a challenge for Wallace, who had to focus on tire conservation from the early stages of the race. Despite his efforts, he admitted that he didn’t have the same speed as Larson.
Reddick, on the other hand, employed a similar pit-stop strategy to Larson, gaining two positions during the first caution period. Although he was unable to make further progress, Reddick expressed satisfaction with his team’s decision to adopt a different approach, which paid off during the race. However, he rued a missed opportunity to overtake Wallace due to an unfortunate mistake.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Looking ahead, the NASCAR Cup Series will continue with the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 28. While the investigation into the racist attack on Bubba Wallace’s radio unfolds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by black drivers in the world of motorsports. NASCAR’s commitment to uncovering the perpetrators and taking appropriate action is crucial to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.