Bubba Stands Tall
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Andrew Rosario
NASCAR, despite all of its popularity, has never been a sport attracting black and brown fans. Scan the crowd at any race, any location and it is hard to find folks of color. Heck, you can count on one hand the number of pit crew members of color. Behind the wheel, there is one African American driver Bubba Watson who took NASCAR to task asking them to remove the Confederate Flag from all NASCAR events. NASCAR didn’t hesitate in the wake of the George Floyd murder at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. NASCAR issued the following statement: “The presence of the confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry.”
Many of the drivers supported the move but one driver Ray Ciccarelli, a part time NASCAR driver quit the circuit citing, “if this is the direction NASCAR is headed we will not participate after 2020 season is over. I ain’t spend the money we are to participate in any political BS!!”
All of this comes on the news that NASCAR driver Kyle Larson was suspended in April for dropping the N-word during a virtual race in which he lost communication. “I can’t see it. You can’t here me? Hey n—-r.” After the comment was made public, Larson issued the obligatory apology. “I made a mistake and said the word that should never, ever be said. And there’s no excuse for that. I understand that the damage is probably unrepairable. I own up to that. I just wanted to let you all know how sorry I am.”
Prior to participating at the Martinsville Speedway way in Virginia, Martin wore a “I can’t Breathe” t-shirt driving a Black Lives Matter car. Said Martin,”I’m not doing this for sponsorship. I am doing this because it’s what I believe in. If sponsors do come through, then they are showing support and they believe in the message and they line up with the same core values that I have. That’s important.”
The support that Martin received from his fellow race car drivers was building as the flag was coming down on all NASCAR events and properties. Then, the unimaginable happened.
This past Sunday, it was discovered that a noose was found in Wallace’s garage stall. It happened the day the race as the Talladega Superspeedway was to take place but was postponed due to rain. The outrage was immediate from NASCAR officials, drivers and a legendary driver. “We are angry and outraged, and cannot state strongly enough how seriously we take this heinous act. We have launched an immediate investigation, and will do everything we can to identify the person(s) responsible and eliminate them from the sport.” Kyle Busch said, ” The act of what happened yesterday was horrible and has no place in this world.”
The King, Richard Petty, at 82 years old, who sponsors Wallace 43 race car, through his Motorsports Group, did not mince his words when he found out what happened. “I’m enraged by the act of someone placing a noose in the garage stall of my race team. There is absolutely no place in our sport or our society for racism. This filthy act serves as a reminder of how far we still have to go to eradicate racial prejudice and it galvanizes my resolve to use the resources of Richard Petty Motorsports to create change. The sick person who perpetrated this act must be found, exposed, and swiftly and immediately expelled from NASCAR. I believe in my heart this despicable act is not representative of the competitors I see each day in the NASCAR garage area. I stand shoulder to shoulder with Bubba, yesterday, today, tomorrow and every day forward.”
Prior to the start of the race Monday, drivers and crew members followed Watson around the track with Busch pushing on one side and close friend Ryan Blaney pushing on the other side. Coming to a stop, Watson would get out of the car. The King greeting and consoling him.
Not everyone is getting the message though. Earlier in the day a plane flew over the course with a banner on the tail saying, “Defund NASCAR” connected with the confedarate flag in tow.
First, Colin Kaepernick put his career on the line by kneeling during the National Anthem to bring attention to people of color being murdered by police without being held accountable. He is still looking/lobbying for a job. Bubba Wallace, the only African American driver in NASCAR, comes out and supports the Black Lives Matter movement. Although he never saw it, a noose was placed on his garage stall.
The message was sent and hit its mark. Fortunately, the powers that be in NASCAR, the drivers, and all of the crews heard it.Their response and support was overwhelming.
