Bubba Wallace, an African American NASCAR driver wants NASCAR to ban the Confederate flag, on account of George Floyd’s death and the black community.
What We Know:
- Wallace is one of the most successful African American drivers in the history of NASCAR and the first African American driver in 50 years to win one of NASCAR’s top three national touring series.
- NASCAR has roots in the South and has allowed Confederate symbols in the past.
- Wallace had not been affected by the flag in the past, but after doing research he realized how uncomfortable it made people feel.
- “There’s going to be a lot of angry people that carry those flags proudly but it’s time for change. We have to change that, and I encourage NASCAR to have those conversations to remove those flags,” Wallace stated.
- Tuesday, Wallace and his team showcased a Black Lives Matter themed car that featured a blacked-out car with the ‘BLM’ hashtag, the words “compassion, love, understanding”, and a white and black hand interlocking on the hood.
- Back in 2015, NASCAR began suggesting fans stop bringing Confederate flags to the races, after Dylann Roof killed nine black church members in Charleston, South Carolina.
- Wallace has attributed to this historic moment, NASCAR announced Wednesday, June 10th that, “the presence of the confederate flag at NASCAR events is prohibited.”
- After there announcement, racer Ray Ciccarelli announced he is quitting because of the banning of the Confederate flag and called the decision “political BS”.
NASCAR stands with the black community and Wallace will debut the Black Lives Matter car Thursday at the Martinsville Speedway race.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 10, 2020
