NASCAR drivers discuss racial injustice as they head to Atlanta for more racing

NASCAR Cup drivers will race 500 miles at Atlanta Motor Speedway as thousands of people in cities across the country walk miles each day while protesting racial injustice and police brutality.

The sports world, including NASCAR, has largely responded to public outrage sparked by the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who was murdered by Minnesota police two weeks ago. Drivers posted on social media throughout the week and expressed support for racial justice in response to nationwide protests.

“As human beings we all have to stand together on what’s right and wrong,” Ryan Blaney tweeted Monday. “What happened to Mr. Floyd and all others who have been oppressed has sickened me.”

“I support the change that needs to happen in this country and around the world #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd,” Blaney’s post said.

Bubba Wallace, the only African-American driver in NASCAR’s top series, spoke with Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Earnhardt Jr.’s podcast about his complicated role in the sport and his personal experiences with racial profiling. Wallace shared that his cousin was shot and killed by a police officer in 2003 while unarmed at a gas station.

“I don’t know what’s going to change or how it’s going to change but I’ve accepted the new role,” Wallace said. “The role I should have had before — of being outspoken about it and being vocal.”

Wallace said his perspective changed after seeing video of Ahmaud Arbery, an unarmed black man, being chased and killed by Georgia residents while jogging in February.

“What kind of world do we live in where we hunt people and take their life away because we assume that this is a black guy terrorizing our neighborhood so we’re going to go kill him? What in the hell, man? I don’t see how people can wake up and think like that,” Wallace said.

Other drivers, including Jimmie Johnson, Ty Dillon, Tyler Reddick and Daniel Suárez, have been vocal in their support for social justice.

“I was definitely pulled to making statements and wanted to share my point of view,” Johnson said Friday. “I feel like in my position and who I am as an individual, I want to have a voice and I want to stand up for injustices.”

The seven-time Cup Series champion said he is working to find his voice and educate himself by talking to his African-American friends.

“To learn and understand just how far and wide my friends have dealt with issues is helping me find my voice,” Johnson said.

NASCAR issued a statement on Monday in response to the protests.

“The NASCAR family like so many others is hurt and angered by the immensely troubling events that have taken place across our country in recent weeks,” the statement said. “For us to heal and move forward as a nation, we all need to listen more and be united in the stand against racism, hatred and senseless violence and loss of life. And we must all hold ourselves accountable to driving positive change.”

“While our sport has made progress over the years, there remains much work to be done and we fully embrace our responsibility to help bridge the racial divide that continues to exist in our country,” the statement continued. “We must do better and our commitment to promoting equality and inclusion continues and will never waver.”

HOW TO WATCH NASCAR’S FOLDS OF HONOR QUIKTRIP 500

• Race: Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500

• Distance: 500.5 miles, 325 laps (stage breaks on laps 105, 210 and 325)

• Where: Atlanta Motor Speedway

• When: 3:00 p.m. Sunday

• TV: FOX (broadcast starts at 2:30 p.m.)

• Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

• 2019 Race Winner: Brad Keselowski

FOLDS OF HONOR QUIKTRIP 500 STARTING LINEUP

This story was originally published June 7, 2020 at 6:00 AM.

Alexandra Andrejev

The Charlotte Observer

NASCAR and Charlotte FC beat reporter Alex Andrejev joined The Observer in January 2020 following an internship at The Washington Post. She is a two-time APSE award winner for her NASCAR beat coverage and National Motorsports Press Association award winner. She is the host of McClatchy’s podcast “Payback” about women’s soccer. Support my work with a digital subscription