NASCARS VERY OWN

Unlike Formular One (F1), NASCAR has had quite a few black racers in the past but just like F1, there is currently only one black racer in the entire line-up as of today and this racer goes by the name Bubba Wallace. Before we dive into Wallace's racing history, it would not be out of place to briefly talk about NASCAR. The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is an American auto racing sanctioning and operating company that is best known for stock car racing.

NASCAR

NASCAR and stock car racing as a whole, traces it's roots back to moonshine runners during prohibition. The last sentence might seem like gibberish but chill, let me explain. Moonshine is a high-proof liquor (generally whiskey), produced illegally without government authorization. Due to the fact that the liquor was illegal, moonshine runners would smuggle them about the US and they usually got chased down by the police. 

NASCAR humble beginnings

In hopes of improving their chances of outrunning prohibition cops, liquor smugglers modified their cars and trucks by enhancing the engines and suspensions to make their vehicles faster. Some real life Fast and Furious, right? On March 8, 1936, a collection of drivers gathered at Daytona Beach, Florida. The drivers brought coupes, hardtops, convertibles, and sports cars to compete in an event to determine the fastest cars and best drivers. The simple formula for NASCAR comprises of racers driving around a circular race track and the fastest racer goes home with the trophy.

William Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr.

Bubba Wallace is an American professional stock car racing driver. He competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 23 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing and part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 1 Toyota Tundra for Tricon Garage. He is the only African American driver to win more than once in the NASCAR's three national series (Cup, Xfinity, and Truck) series, which has made him one of the most successful African American drivers in the history of NASCAR.

Young Wallace

Wallace started racing in the Bandolero and Legends car racing series, as well as local late model events, at the age of nine. In 2005, he won 35 of the Bandolero Series' 48 races held that year and in 2008 he became the youngest driver to win at Franklin County Speedway in Virginia. In 2010, Wallace began competing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, a regional and developmental series. He won his very first race in the series, at Greenville-Pickens Speedway, becoming the youngest driver ever to win at the track. One thing I know is that when Black people are given a chance to participate in so-called white men's game, we always dominate!

NASCARS VERY OWN

It is safe to say Wallace has had a wonderful career so far and he does not seem like he his going to hit the breaks anytime soon. One thing I admire about Wallace is how he uses his position and voice to speak against racial discrimination, as well as other concerning issues like depression. I remember first knowing about Wallace during the George Floyd case, he was very instrumental in making sure justice was served. I can only hope to see more from him in NASCAR.

Thank you for reading and always remember to Turbo that engine!