HAMPTON, GEORGIA - JUNE 07: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #43 McDonald's Chevrolet, wears a "I Can't Breath - Black Lives Matter" T-shirt under his fire suit in solidarity with protesters around the world taking to the streets after the death of George Floyd on May 25 while in the custody of Minneapolis, Minnesota police, stands during the national anthem prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on June 07, 2020 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Bubba Wallace: Scary moment as NASCAR driver passed out on tv, twice (Video)
Shane Walters
After the NASCAR race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bubba Wallace was carried on a stretcher to the care center
Ahead of the race, Bubba Wallace was seen on the pit lane sporting a Black Lives Matter t-shirt. NASCAR’s only African-American driver was set to roll off from the 23rd position.
NASCAR also started off the day with a salute to the Black Lives Matter movement. On the pace laps, the cars were brought to a stop on the front stretch.
The President of NASCAR delivered a 30-second message directly to the driver audio channels which was also broadcast to television. The message promoted change in America.
They dropped the green flag, 3 hours later the race was completed and Harvick drove to victory lane. Wallace finished 21st.
NASCAR doesn’t typically race in Atlanta in the middle of June. It’s one of the longest and the now, the hottest race weekends of the year.
The heat took a toll on many drivers. Many drivers exited their cars and took a seat, immediately to cool off with a drink of water. Even Ryan Newman, who’s easily the fittest driver in the field.
Update: Josh Bilicki was sent to the infield care center after the race as well.
Bubba Wallace exited his car and began to debrief with his team. In the middle of the debrief, Wallace began looking wobbly.
Three crew members went into action, grabbing him from both sides and gently letting him to the ground. He soon was helped up and took a seat on the pit lane wall.
Moments later, Wallace was interviewed about his day and what happened after the race. Is he ok?
“I don’t even know. Longgg race, I guess,” Wallace responded.
“I stood up too fast.” Wallace continued to complete that thought but it came out jumbled. He then abruptly snapped out of it and continued talking normally…
“I sat down and stood up too fast. And I got dizzy, I got light headed.”
“But, I feel fine now. A quick scare for everybody.”
“Not the day we wanted for our McDonald’s Chevrolet. We had that loose wheel, that sucked. But, all-in-all, we couldn’t get a hold on out balance. We will go on and go to Martinsville.”
Soon after finishing that thought, Bubba Wallace mumbled more words that didn’t make any sense. His eyes then wandered into the back of his head once again.
After that interview, Bubba Wallace was reportedly placed in an ambulance. The report stated he was carried into the infield care center on a stretcher. The driver was alert as he entered the at-track medical building.
Update: Josh Bilicki and Bubba Wallace were treated and released. Wallace posted an update, shown below.