NASCAR stands with Bubba Wallace at Talladega
Posted June 22, 2020 6:00 p.m. EDT
Updated June 23, 2020 7:22 a.m. EDT
As the country continues to discuss racial injustice, NASCAR is battling it's own fight on the pavement.
Less than 24 hours after NASCAR announced that a noose was found in Bubba Wallace's garage at Talladega, the NASCAR family united ahead of Monday's race and pushed No. 43 car to the front of the pack and stood behind Wallace in unity.
The hashtag, 'I stand with Bubba' was also painted into the grass.
NASCAR legend Richard Petty and owner of Richard Petty Motorsports also stood in solidarity with his driver.
Wallace was overcome with emotion knowing fellow drivers had his back.
"Justice in a sense. We want to understand who and why and all of those things but until those answers are answered, we want to stand with our friend. We want to stand with Bubba," said driver Jimmie Johnson.
Celebrities proclaimed their support for No. 43 as well.
"Sickening! Bubba Wallace my brother! Know you don’t stand alone! I’m right here with you as well as every other athlete," tweeted LeBron James.
Former NASCAR star and NBC Sports analyst Dale Earnhardt, Jr. tweeted, "I hope Bubba is feeling loved and supported. Keep sending him that love and support. He needs it now more than ever."
While a heinous act could have brought NASCAR down, they are proving they will do whatever it takes to protect and speak up for their driver.
"They will be banned from this sport for life. There is no room for this and we wont tolerate it and they won't be here. I don't care who they are. The will not be here," said NASCAR President Steve Phelps.
