FBI investigating noose hung in NASCAR garage

Lebron James and others have commented following the act of racism at Talladega Superspeedway

On Sunday afternoon, NASCAR was set to drop the green flag at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. A thunderstorm rolled in and put the race on hold until Monday.

Earlier that day, a place circled the speedway while pulling a banner with the Confederate flag attached. A message on the banner read, “Defund NASCAR.”

Related: Plane pulls Confederate flag over Talladega Superspeedway ahead of NASCAR race (VIDEO)

After the race was postponed, NASCAR impounded all the cars as they have already rolled through tech inspection. They were locked in a garage overnight.

Late last night, the No. 43 discovered that a noose had been hung over their car as it sat in the garage area. Bubba Wallace, NASCAR’s only African-American is the driver of that car.

Update: FBI concludes noose investigation from Talladega NASCAR race; It’s been there since October 2019

The sanction has confirmed the existence of last night’s noose.

NASCAR has reached out to law enforcement as well. The case has been sent to the FBI. They ask in the case that any laws have been broken.

“The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Northern District of Alabama, FBI and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division are reviewing the situation surrounding the noose that was found in Bubba Wallace’s garage to determine whether there are violations of federal law. Regardless of whether federal charges can be brought, this type of action has no place in our society,” US Attorney Jay E. Town stated.

Lebron James: “Sickening! Bubba Wallace 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!”

Community reacts to noose near Bubba Wallace’s car

Ryan Blaney: “You’re my brother and always will be. Don’t let the people who are lower than life to try and bring you down. They won’t scare you because you’re strong. I stand with you pal. Forever.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr: “I don’t worry about our sport. I have confidence NASCAR’s leadership will find who did this and continue pushing us in the right direction.”

“I do worry about Bubba and I hope Bubba is feeling loved and supported. Keep sending him that love and support. He needs it now more than ever.”

Mark Garrow: “Just read the statement from NASCAR someone hung a noose in Bubba Wallace garage at Talladega, calling it a “heinous act”. It absolutely is and I hope since there’s a limited number of people allowed at the track they can find out quickly who did this.”

Kim Carter Bard: “I stand with Bubba Wallace And to the COWARD who left the noose in the garage…. they should use it to hang you by your….. oh wait…..that’s right. If you had any, you would not have done this in secret. Get ‘em Bubba Wallace.”

Rajah Caruth: “I may be only 18 but I’m not afraid and will never stop standing up for what I believe in. I’m black and I’m proud. See you in victory lane on Tuesday.”

Bubba Wallace - NASCAR garage area at Talladega Superspeedway - NASCAR Cup Series
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA – JUNE 22: The #43 Victory Junction Chevrolet, driven by Bubba Wallace(not pictured), waits in the garage area prior to the NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on June 22, 2020 in Talladega, Alabama. A noose was found in the garage stall of NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace at Talladega Superspeedway a week after the organization banned the Confederate flag at its facilities. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

NASCAR drivers show support of Bubba Wallace

A story is developing regarding today’s event at Talladega Superspeedway. Ahead of today’s race, we’re expected to see the entire garage show support for Bubba Wallace is some kind of way. It’s unclear exactly what that will be but it’s likely to be a part of the pre-race show.

Update: Drivers pushed Wallace’s car to the front of the grid ahead of Monday’s race at Talladega. They then surrounded the car during the National Anthem.

Since the incident, many NASCAR Cup Series drivers have already taken to social media to voice support.

Eric Nyquist (NASCAR spokesman): “Our sport is full of wonderful people, fans & competitors. The anger and outrage is palpable. Our sport deserves the NASCAR we all want.”

“One where everyone w a racer’s heart is welcome and excited to be at track, regardless of color, love or faith. We will win. #IStandWithBubba”

Related: Bubba Wallace and NASCAR comment following the discovery of a noose in Talladega

Michael McDowell: “God help us. The level of evil it takes to do something like this is disgusting. This is enraging and heartbreaking all at the same time.”

Clint Bowyer: “I’ll race with him on Sunday and ride with him on a Monday. I do this because he’s family, our @NASCAR family!!! It’s hard for me to comprehend all this, but one thing is for sure…When you f*ck with family you’re f*cking with us all.”

Backstory

Recently, NASCAR has rules against a protest during the National Anthem. Those rules required all NASCAR Members to stand.

In recent weeks, those lines in the rule book have been omitted. This opens the door for kneeling during the National Anthem.

Bubba Wallace then did an interview with CNN stating he was proud of NASCAR’s stance amid racial injustice. He then stated the next steps for the sport would be to ban the Confederate flag.

On June 10, NASCAR did just that. The Confederate flag has been banned from all NASCAR events and properties. That same day, Bubba Wallace ran a Black Lives Matter car at Martinsville Speedway.

Related: Confederate flag banned from NASCAR events

Links

Bubba Wallace | NASCAR | Talladega Superspeedway

Categories

Tags