NASCAR issued this statement at 9:45 p.m. CT on Sunday night.
#NASCAR has issued a statement saying that there was a noose found in the No. 43 team's garage.
An investigation is underway. pic.twitter.com/rLdU3BZ98N
— Always Race Day (@AlwaysRaceDay) June 22, 2020
A noose was found in the No. 43 team garage that houses Bubba Wallace, a trailblazing African-American driver.
The track garages were not open for the limited outside spectators allowed to attend the event on Sunday (which was ultimately rained out). This has raised speculation that they act may have been committed by someone who works within NASCAR.
NASCAR vowed to rid the sport of the individual or individuals who committed the act, should they find out, though no progress has been made thus far.
Wallace issued a statement immediately following NASCAR’s release saying this will not break him and he won’t back down.
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) June 22, 2020
Just like Wallace’s “Black Lives Matter” paint scheme garnered national attention, his statement flew around social media.
By 11 p.m., Lebron James had quote-tweeted it.
Sickening! @BubbaWallace my brother! Know you don’t stand alone! I’m right here with you as well as every other athlete. I just want to continue to say how proud I am of you for continuing to take a stand for change here in America and sports! @NASCAR I salute you as well! 🙏🏾✊🏾👑 https://t.co/1TwkjVHai5
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 22, 2020
It brought this passionate series of words from ESPN’s Marty Smith on the premier Scott Van Pelt SportsCenter as well.
"It pisses me the hell off and it pisses everybody else in the sport off who care, not only for Bubba, but for every single person he is standing up for."@MartySmithESPN delivers a passionate message after a noose was found in Bubba Wallace's garage stall. pic.twitter.com/hyAbxh7uSW
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 22, 2020
If it was before, it’s now no secret that Wallace is facing some challenges even in what was thought to be an inclusive environment within the garage.
Only time will tell what will come next. The NASCAR Cup Series is scheduled to hold its next race on Monday, June 22 at Talladega Speedway on FOX.