Michael Satterfield
TGR Staff
Bubba Wallace will run a special wrap to support the #BlackLivesMatter movement for Wednesday night’s race at Martinsville Speedway. Wallace, currently NASCAR’s only black driver and the only black driver to compete in the top series since the 1970s, has been visibly supporting the movement at races by wearing a tee-shirt that read “I Can’t Breathe – Black Lives Matter” at the track. The new livery replaces his usual sponsor McDonald’s who’s logo can still be seen on the door.
Wallace has also pushed for NASCAR to adopt rules banning the Confederate flag from racing events. In an interview with CNN’s Don Lemon, he said “My next step would be to get rid of all confederate flags,” Wallace said. He added, “No one should feel uncomfortable when they come to a NASCAR race. It starts with confederate flags. Get them out of here. They have no place for them.”
The driver went on to say that he “is proud of NASCAR for stepped up” and they are supporting his messaged of listening and learning.
Since 2015, NASCAR has made a serious effort to disassociate the series from the rebel battle flag but has yet to ban fans from bringing them into stands or infield. Former NASCAR CEO and Chairman Brian France referred to the flag as an “offensive and divisive symbol.” Wallace has encouraged NASCAR to ban the Confederate flag completely and suggested that those who disagree can “get back on the road where you came from.”
