Aric Almirola, who was an original member of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, said it was important for the NASCAR community to come together to support Wallace.
“I think we were all just proud to be together. I think as competitors we all want to beat each other, but as human beings we all want to show love and support for each other,” Almirola said after his third-place finish on Monday. “I think that’s one thing about our NASCAR community that has always stood out, is that regardless of what happens on the race track, off the race track, we’re a family. We all support each other. You see it when we put fundraisers on or foundation events. We all show up. We all support each other because we’re a family.”
Wallace’s friend Ryan Blaney, who won Monday’s race in a photo-finish, said in an emotional moment during his post-race press conference that the only way to deal with this situation was to come together.
“You can’t let some idiots trying to threaten somebody…you can’t let that effect you,” Blaney said. “I think it shows how strong Bubba is to be able to … you know, OK, you’re hurting and really saddened by it, and I’m sure he’s still hurt by it. But then to come together, all of us, and then be strong, that’s how you’ve got to deal with that stuff.
“If you let it really eat away at you, that person wins. Those people win. I think it’s great that everyone rose up, Bubba included, and really came together. I don’t want it to be remembered as a terrible day or a bad day in NASCAR. I want it to be remembered as there was an incident and we all came together and showed that we’re not going to take it anymore man.”
Wallace led a single lap and finished 14th. He emerged from his race car and quickly ran to congratulate Blaney on his victory before walking towars the grandstands to greet a group of fans, several of which were wearing #BlackLivesMatter shirts.
“This is probably the most badass moment right here,” Wallace said in front of the group of fans while speaking to FOX Sports reporter Jamie Little. “It’s been tough. It’s been hell. Well, I wouldn’t say hell; it’s just been hectic you know, carrying this weight, this burden. I wouldn’t really say burden, either. I’m proud to stand where I’m at and carry a new face.
“Look at this,” Wallace said as he turned to look at the crowd. He then asked one of the fans, “Is this the first time you’re here? From Atlanta?” His question got a rousing response from the crowd. “That is so cool. The sport is changing.”
Wallace wasn’t wearing his face mask, which he apologized for, but said it was important to him for the world to see him smiling despite the circumstances of the last 24 hours.
“Sorry I’m not wearing my mask, but I wanted to show whoever it was that you’re not going to take away my smile and I’m going to keep on going,” Wallace said. “I’ve been a part of this sport for a really long time. I’m still kind of a rookie. I’m starting to figure this stuff out. We had a good race going today in our Victory Junction Chevrolet.
“But man, I know I should have won that damn race. We ran out of gas,” Wallace noted. “It’s just the stars didn’t align for us complete it, but all in all, we won today. The pre-race deal was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to witness in my life. From all the supporters. From drivers and crew members. Everybody here. The badass fan base; thank you guys for coming out here.
“This is truly incredible and I’m proud to be a part of this sport. Like I said earlier, I’ve got a long way to go. And we’ll keep on trucking.”