BLM-Charged Bubba Wallace Made Hendrick Motorsports Legend Sweat in Inspired Drive at Height of Confederate Flag Controversy

Being the ‘only one’ of something on the track is definitely not easy. Because sometimes it’s about more than just the on-track ambitions and struggles. During the 2020 Martinsville race, Bubba Wallace evidently displayed this sentiment.

Unlike his other races, Wallace’s race at Martinsville was a race with purpose. Driving his #BlackLivesMatter paint car, Wallace finished 11th with his #43 Richard Petty car. Moreover, the driver had a pretty good race with him finishing each stage break by being among the Top10. However, a part of the race that pumped up Wallace was the fact that he and his team made Jimmie Johnson at Martinsville.

Talking about how good his car was that day, Wallace shared how happy he was to make Jimmie Johnson work hard to get ahead of him. He said, “My favorite place, and it just continues to show. I’ll tell you what was bad**s, racing with seven-time there at the end, Jimmie Johnson. You think Jimmie Johnson wins so many times here and we’re running him down. That’s hat’s off to my guys, so good job, fellas.”

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Although Bubba Wallace did not win the Martinsville race, his performance and message did resonate with a lot of other people.

Bubba Wallace racing for equality

In the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests, Bubba Wallace supported the cause by wearing T-shirts with messages like “I Can’t Breathe.” Furthermore, in support of the driver, NASCAR too took a step forward and condemned the use of the Confederate flag in the sport.

Happy to witness the change, Wallace said, “Like that message I sent you guys, the biggest night of my life right here. I’ll give it my all. … Everybody watching, new faces watching. Appreciate y’all’s support. Support this week’s been pretty unreal, so definitely didn’t go unnoticed.”

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Furthermore, notable stars like LeBron James, Jozy Altidore, Reese Witherspoon, and Bernice King too supported Wallace. In fact, NASCAR driver and Wallace’s friend Ryan Blaney commended Wallace’s initiative, “It’s good things, a good cause that he’s striving toward.”