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Talladega, Ala. - On June 10, NASCAR passed a ban eliminating all Confederate flags from its tracks and facilities. Eleven days later, a noose was found in NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace’s garage stall.
Wallace, 26, a Mobile native, is the only African American full-time driver in NASCAR’s Elite Cup Series. He was also a strong advocate for the auto driving series’ recent decision regarding the confederate flag.
Talladega NASCAR fans engaged in informal protests against the ban over the weekend. Cars and pickup trucks paraded the flag by the entrance of the racing site. A small plane flew overhead with a sign that read “Defund NASCAR”. For some NASCAR fans, the Confederate flag is a symbol of their Southern heritage. For others, specifically the individual(s) who targeted Wallace, there is racially-driven anger behind the flag.
Governor Kay Ivey expressed that she was “shocked and appalled” by the act. “There is no place for this disgusting display of hatred in our state,” Ivey said. “Racism and threats of this nature will not be condoned nor tolerated, and I commit to assisting in any way possible to ensure that the person responsible for this is caught and punished. While the important conversation of racial reconciliation is ongoing all over our country, it is clear there is much work to do.”
Talladega Mayor Timothy Ragland also condemned the act of hate. “I urge NASCAR to use every resource at its disposal to find the culprit of this vicious and racist act. I offer every resource available under my authority to assist in finding the persons(s) responsible for this blight on the City of Talladega,” Ragland said in a statement.
Wallace continues to stand his ground.
“Together, our sport has made a commitment to driving real chance and championing a community that is accepting and welcoming of everyone,” said Wallace, in a tweet late Sunday. “Nothing is more important and we will not be deterred by the reprehensible actions of those who seek to spread hate.”
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