NASCAR is investigating an incident over All-Star race weekend in which at least one unidentified person hijacked 23XI Racing's radio communications to send derogatory messages to Bubba Wallace.
Wallace, NASCAR's only Black full-time driver on the Cup Series, finished second in Sunday's All-Star race behind Kyle Larson. His 23XI teammate, Tyler Reddick, finished third. It was an overall strong showing for Wallace and Co. at North Wilkesboro Speedway, though it was overshadowed by the radio incident.
It occurred moments after Wallace finished a distant second to Larson on Sunday: Audio shows at least one fan said, "Go back to where you came from you a—." Another message said, "You suck and you’re not wanted in NASCAR."
This was on Bubba Wallace’s radio at the end of the race. It’s not the first time it’s happened. Could someone please ask NASCAR what it plans to do about its only black driver being harassed by racists?@jeff_gluck @bobpockrass @Jordan_Bianchi @A_S12 @NASCAR @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/wlB4VEiiom
— Jeff (@mr4time) May 22, 2023
Motorsport.com reported NASCAR security officials are investigating the incident.
This is not the first time fans have hijacked teams' radio communications, nor is it the first time Wallace has been forced to deal with racism on the part of NASCAR fans. According to 23XI, he did not hear the message on the radio at the time; Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports reported it was because he had already unhooked his radio.
MORE: Revisiting the 2020 Bubba Wallace noose case
Wallace was among the most booed drivers at North Wilkesboro over the weekend, not only in the All-Star Race — where he gave jeering fans the bird during a post-race interview — but also following his fifth-place finish in Saturday's Truck Series:
The boos for @BubbaWallace after today’s truck race & during driver intros were very loud at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
— Noah Lewis (@Noah_Lewis1) May 20, 2023
A @wsoctv reporter asked a great question about how/if that affects Bubba.
Wallace gave a great answer in return. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/0VDHtUZ7c0
Wallace has not spoken publicly about the radio incident, expressing disappointment instead that he was unable to finish first in Sunday's All-Star race.
"All in all, proud of the effort, proud of our Columbia Toyota group. It just wasn't meant to be," Wallace said. "(Larson) was lights out and we were the best of the rest, so guess we can be proud about that. But appreciate the support. Keep on riding this momentum train into Charlotte. Peace."
