NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace at the end of the NASCAR Cup Series Geico 500 said of his emotional day, "This is probably the most badass moment right here." Wallace, in an on-track interview after finishing 14th, said, "The sport is changing. The deal that happened yesterday -- sorry, I'm not wearing my mask, but I wanted to show whoever it was that you're not going to take my smile. And I'm gonna keep on going." He added, "It's been tough. It's been hell. Eh, I wouldn't say hell. It's just been hectic carrying this weight, carrying this burden. I wouldn't really say burden either. I'm proud to stand where I'm at."
Of the up to 5,000 fans allowed to attend the race, a "small group gathered around the catchfence on the frontstretch" to greet Wallace after the race. He high-fived fans, some of whom had Black Lives Matter shirts on, and they "continued cheering for him." Wallace: "The pre-race deal was probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to witness in my life. All the supporters from drivers, from crew members, everybody here, the bad-ass fan base. Thank you, guys, for coming out here. It's truly incredible, and I'm proud to be a part of this sport" (USA TODAY, 6/22).
Comedy Central's Trevor Noah said of a noose being found in Wallace’s garage stall: “This is something that might not stop for Bubba. I can tell you fans are going to be saying horrible things, people are going to be putting up signs. I wouldn't be shocked if Bubba starts getting pulled over during the race. ‘Sir, we’ve been some getting calls that you’ve been circling this neighborhood for a couple of hours. Can I see your license and registration?’” (“The Daily Show,” Comedy Central, 6/22).
