Bubba Wallace, the only Black full-time driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, said in a recent interview that the sport has made meaningful progress since banning the Confederate flag in 2020. Wallace, who was instrumental in pushing NASCAR to remove the controversial symbol from events, believes the move was a necessary step toward making the sport more inclusive.
“Looking around the garage and in the stands, you can feel the difference,” Wallace said. “It’s a more welcoming environment. That flag represented a lot of pain for many people, and removing it showed that NASCAR is serious about change.”
The decision to ban the flag came amid nationwide protests for racial justice, with Wallace urging NASCAR leadership to act. Since then, the sport has launched diversity initiatives and seen increased participation from fans of different backgrounds.
While Wallace acknowledges there’s still work to be done, he said the atmosphere today is “night and day” compared to when he first entered the sport.
NASCAR President Steve Phelps echoed Wallace’s comments, stating the sport is committed to building a culture where everyone feels welcome. Wallace currently drives the No. 23 Toyota for 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.
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