NASCAR opens investigation into Bubba Wallace radio hack, derogatory message

NASCAR has officially opened an investigation after Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace was subject to a racist remark from a fan on his radio channel following Sunday’s All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

The incident occurred in the aftermath of Wallace’s runner-up finish to Kyle Larson in the race for $1 million. A fan keyed into his radio channel, leaving a derogatory message.

“Go back to where you came from you a*****. You’re not wanted in NASCAR,” the person said.

NASCAR spokesman Mike Forde said Wednesday that the sport is trying to determine who keyed into Wallace’s radio channel, as well as how it was done, per ESPN. Forde added that Wallace didn’t hear the comment at the time it occurred.

“We certainly take that seriously, no doubt about that,” Forde said. “But we can’t have fans interfering with team radio and potential competition implications.”

23XI Racing president Steve Lauletta spoke out on the incident Monday.

“And unfortunately not the first time, still waiting for a time when EVERYONE will be treated with the same level of respect,” Lauletta wrote on Twitter. “All of us @23XIRacing will keep pushing to provide @BubbaWallace all he needs to succeed on and off the track #ForwardTogether.”

Bubba Wallace puts up impressive showing at North Wilkesboro

Wallace, the only full-time African American driver in the Cup Series, continued his momentum with the P2 finish at North Wilkesboro. After an up-and-down start to his 2023 campaign, Wallace notched top 5s at Kansas and Darlington heading into the All-Star Race. Though the P2 result won’t help in the points standings, Wallace said he’s “excited” about where he’s at.

“He could attack hard and have something there in the end,” Wallace said of Larson. “If this was a normal race, something to be excited about – but this was for a $1 million… You come up short and walk away with nothing. Tail tucked between our legs, but all-in-all, just continue to ride the momentum train. We came up one spot short. Congrats to Larson. He’s been on a rail lately.

“Now we show up to our home turf. We have to keep the momentum rolling there and get ourselves deeper into the playoffs. I’m excited to be where we are at right now.”