With his eyes set on Richmond Raceway, Bubba Wallace would be hoping for the best outcome this Sunday. Even though short tracks are not exactly one of Wallace’s strengths, the 23XI Racing driver will be feeling optimistic about the Toyota Owners 400. This is because apart from the race, the next week will also mark Wallace’s second annual “Bubba’s Block Party.”

Hosting his block party at Richmond, which is one of the rare NASCAR facilities situated in an urban area, Wallace has arranged a community-focused initiative. Hoping to generate awareness about NASCAR and build engagement with the sport within the African-American community, the event is scheduled for Friday.

According to the details shared by AP News, the event will feature a food truck village promoting Black-owned businesses. Moreover, Wallace would also interact with the participants in a “fireside chat” while promoting diversity and inclusion in the sport. Apart from this, arrangements for iRacing video games as well as live pit stop demonstrations would also be set up by the Toyota crew.

Bubba Wallace reveals his vision for the event

Being one of the representatives of the African-American community in the sport, Bubba Wallace has always been vocal about diversity and inclusion. Sharing what he wishes to achieve through the event, Wallace said,

“Richmond is in the heart of a minority market, a diverse market. And I feel like a lot of those people don’t show up at the racetrack. I wanted to provide an environment that’s a Friday night cookout-type style vibes at a racetrack. And get them out and encourage them to come out and cheer on their favorite driver — don’t even have to be me.”

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Bubba Wallace’s attempt to make everyone feel welcome

Bubba’s Block Party is used as a platform to thrash social injustice while finding new ways for inclusion. And planning on the same line of thoughts, this year’s party is also an attempt to achieve inclusion. During his conversation, the 23XI Racing driver revealed how he wants everyone to feel welcomed in NASCAR just as they do in other sports like NBA or NFL. He shared,

“I think just getting them to feel welcome to walk in their own shoe. Be comfortable in their own skin and have a great time just like they could go to NBA games, an NFL game. I think that’s important. We have to make our markets feel just as welcoming as others.”

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The next week in Richmond is definitely special for Wallace. For one, after a frustrating streak of not being able to complete races this season, Wallace will get a chance to gain back his confidence. Secondly, he’ll be able to build the confidence of an entire community to engage more with a sport he loves.