Noose Found In Garage Stall of Bubba Wallace at Talladega

Credit: Lisa Janine Cloud for Skirts and Scuffs

The NASCAR community was jolted late last night after the discovery of a heinous act and implied threat of violence. 

NASCAR officials announced that a noose was planted in the garage stall of the No. 43 team, which is piloted by Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. Wallace is the only full-time African American driver in the sport’s top three series.

The discovery at Alabama's famous - or infamous - Talladega Superspeedway comes less than two weeks after Wallace called for the ban of the Confederate flag, which NASCAR implemented before the night race at Martinsville on June 10th. 

The NASCAR Cup Series was scheduled to race at the 2.66-mile track on Sunday afternoon, but was forced to reschedule to Monday because of inclement weather. 

“Late this afternoon, NASCAR was made aware that a noose was found in the garage stall of the 43 team,” the statement read. “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. As we have stated unequivocally, there is no place for racism in NASCAR, and this act only strengthens our resolve to make the sport open and welcoming to all."

Wallace said the “despicable act of racism and hatred leaves me incredibly saddened and serves as a painful reminder of how much further we have to go as a society and how persistent we must be in the fight against racism.

“As my mother told me today, ‘They are just trying to scare you,’” he wrote. “ This will not break me, I will not give in nor will I back down. I will continue to proudly stand for what I believe in.”

According to FOX NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass, a team member discovered the noose. Wallace did not see it, and the Talladega County Sheriff's Office reported the situation to the FBI, which will handle the investigation. 

Wallace received a wide range of support within the racing community, including Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton. He also received support from LeBron James and Richard Sherman. 

There were sightings of the Confederate flag outside the track on Saturday and Sunday, as fans drove down Speedway Boulevard with their flags in protest of  NASCAR’s decision. Additionally, a small plane carrying the flag flew overhead with a message that read, “Defund NASCAR.” 

Fans were allowed back to the racetrack for only the second time since NASCAR returned after COVID-19 hit. Five thousand fans were in attendance for the GEICO 500, but were not allowed inside the garage or pit areas. 

The NASCAR Cup Series is scheduled to race on Monday, June 22nd, but rain remains in the forecast for most of the afternoon. Coverage is set to begin at 3 p.m./ET on FOX.