´óÏó´«Ã½

Many black athletes are now using their platforms to highlight the racial inequality and injustice that still exists in society. The NASCAR motor racing driver Bubba Wallace is a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter campaign and was instrumental in getting the confederate flag banned from NASCAR races. The flag represented the 13 southern states of America which fought against the union in the American civil war over 150 years ago. For many it remains a symbol of slavery and racism. The FBI have now said that the recent apparent discovery of a noose in Bubba Wallace’s garage was in fact a garage door handle, and insist no crime has been committed. But Wallace’s fellow NASCAR drivers have stood in solidarity with him, as the Black Lives Matter movement continues to generate the support of the sporting world. They showed their solidarity by pushing Wallace’s car to the front of the grid and standing behind him in support.

Bill Lester was the last black driver to race in the NASCAR series before Bubba Wallace and is one of only four black drivers to have competed in its 72 year history. Lester spoke to Sportsworld’s Lee James about the recent events and his pleasant surprise at NASCAR’s decision to ban the confederate flag.

Photo credit: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #43 Victory Junction Chevrolet, takes a moment by his car after NASCAR drivers pushed him to the front of the grid as a sign of solidarity with the driver prior to the NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on June 22, 2020 (Getty Images).