NASCAR drivers are making a statement Monday (June 22) at Talladega Superspeedway to back one of their own, Bubba Wallace. The day after a noose was found in Wallace’s garage stall, his peers are banding together against this racist act.
Frontstretch’s Dustin Albino has learned that before today’s GEICO 500 at Talladega, all 39 competitors will push Wallace’s No. 43 car to the front of the grid. They will then stand in unison with the driver as the national anthem is played.
This morning, as news spread on the noose incident, multiple drivers have posted on Twitter to offer their support for Wallace. The #IStandWithBubba hashtag was trending as NASCAR drivers expressed their disgust over the incident. Among those spearheading the effort was Wallace’s best friend, Ryan Blaney.
You’re my brother and always will be. Don’t let the people who are lower than life to try and bring you down. They won’t scare you because you’re strong. I stand with you pal. Forever. https://t.co/fiIALd9XCE
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) June 22, 2020
Others, like seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, have referenced the pain that’s been caused for so many involved in the sport.
I can’t begin to fathom the pain this action has caused. I stand with you @BubbaWallace. https://t.co/lV8v46ktWN
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) June 22, 2020
This action by the drivers also comes as news breaks Wallace’s owner, Richard Petty, will attend this afternoon’s GEICO 500. Petty, 82, has not attended an event since NASCAR’s return in mid-May due to the threat posed by COVID-19.
The author of Did You Notice? (Wednesdays) Tom spends his time overseeing Frontstretch’s 40+ staff members as its majority owner and Editor-in-Chief. Based outside Philadelphia, Bowles is a two-time Emmy winner in NASCAR television and has worked in racing production with FOX, TNT, and ESPN while appearing on-air for SIRIUS XM Radio and FOX Sports 1's former show, the Crowd Goes Wild. He most recently consulted with SRX Racing, helping manage cutting-edge technology and graphics that appeared on their CBS broadcasts during 2021 and 2022.
You can find Tom’s writing here, at CBSSports.com and Athlonsports.com, where he’s been an editorial consultant for the annual racing magazine for 15 years.