NASCAR Bans Confederate Flags

In the wake of the George Floyd police killing, NASCAR’s only full-time African-American driver, Bubba Wallace, is also calling for a change. He told CNN’s Don Lemon he wanted to see the auto racing body go a step further than simply asking fans not to bring Confederate flags to races, as they did in 2015.

On Monday (June 10, 2020), the NASCAR Cup Series driver called on them to ban the battle flag from all its events. Just two days later, the legendary auto franchise obliged his request. Prior to Wednesday’s race in Martinsville, Virginia, they released a statement regarding their decision.

"The presence of the Confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry. Bringing people together around a love for racing and the community that it creates is what makes our fans and sport special. The display of the Confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties."

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driving a "Black Lives Matter" Chevy race car Bubba spoke with the network.

Wallace told CNN the Confederate flags didn't bother him at first, but he educated himself on its origin and realized why it makes people uncomfortable. Being a black man, this is something he could no longer condone.

For the most part, Americans are saluting NASCAR for having the courage to take a stand against racism. To say, "Enough!" We also join the voices of gratitude for what you did. It was a huge step in the right direction and an amazing act of humility. Thank you for having more courage than the NFL to stand by your athlete and on the right side of history. They not only owe Colin Kaepernick an apology, but a big contract and his job back.

To Bubba Wallace, you will go down in history. Like Kaep, you put yourself on the line. You risked your livelihood for a just cause and won. God bless you, brotha.