Less than 24 hours after NASCAR reported a noose had been discovered in his garage stall, Bubba Wallace marched across Talladega International Speedway to greet a group of fans screaming their support.
Pressed up against a fence was a mostly African American group, apparently attending their first NASCAR event ever. Wallace had just finished 14th, fuel issues impacting his chance at a storybook victory, but this was still a moment for prideful celebration.
A pre-race outpouring from his fellow drivers and team members had captured the nation’s attention. It was enough for Wallace, the sport’s only Black driver, to break down in tears.