After the shock last year, “Bubba” Wallace celebrated this year in Alabama. / Image: Getty Images
Talladega. It took patience to get to this milestone. Rain had already postponed the Nascar race in Talladega, Alabama, by one day and then led to several interruptions during the fifth play-off run. After completing 104 laps and breaking off after an hour's waiting time, it was official: Darrell “Bubba” Wallace celebrated his first victory – as the first dark-skinned driver after Wendell Scott in 1963. With him, the 23X1 Racing team around co-owner Michael Jordan also triumphed for the first time .
When questions about the historical dimension of his success pounded on him after the first jubilation, Wallace had to struggle to hold back tears. “I don't even think about these things, but when you put it that way, it obviously brings a lot of emotion and joy to my family, fans and friends. That's pretty damn cool, ”said the 27-year-old. The man from Alabama used the opportunity to send an important message: “This is for all the children out there who want a chance, no matter what they want to achieve.”
Fight against racism
Wallace himself is a shining example of perseverance and resilience, as it was his support for the Black Lives Matter movement that suddenly took center stage a year ago. As the only black driver in the traditionally very white US racing series, he also spoke openly about discrimination in the scene. In response, Nascar officials banned the southern flags, which are ubiquitous in the races, a symbol of slavery and racism for many. That didn't go down well everywhere.
When a hangman's rope was found in Wallace's garage at the same Talladega Speedway a year ago, the FBI was investigating a possible hate crime. The investigation came to the conclusion that the rope was a garage door pull rope that had been hanging there for a long time. Nascar fans and even the then US President, Donald Trump, were outraged that Wallace had staged a nasty show. However, he said in a CNN interview that the FBI's explanation was not enough for him. “It doesn't matter whether it has been hanging there since 2019 or not addressed to me. It was a hangover, ”he criticized.
Wallace tasted all the sweeter that it was here, of all places, that he achieved his maiden victory a year later. “It is very fitting that it happened right here in Talladega,” said the 27-year-old. He wanted to encourage other people to never lose faith in themselves despite all the hurdles and obstacles. “You always have to go your own way and not allow yourself to be dissuaded by all the nonsense. Stay strong, stay humble, stay hungry. There were so many moments when I wanted to give up. You have to surround yourself with the right people, and then there will be moments like this that you enjoy. “(Swi)
