FBI Investigating Noose Found in Bubba Wallace’s NASCAR Garage

Bubba Wallace has a message for the cowards who hung a noose in his NASCAR garage: "You didn't scare anybody."

The celebrated and only African American driver for the racing giant boldly took a stand against NASCAR waving the Confederate flag. The flag's long history of bigotry and hatred Wallace said was something that, as a black man, he could not ignore.

Not only does it represent the traitors who fought against the U.S. in the Civil War, but also the cause Confederate soldiers fought for: the institution of slavery. NASCAR President Steve Phelps and officials agreed if there ever was a time, it is now. Phelps vowed the flag would be banned at every NASCAR event forever. However, everyone, including Wallace, knew this decision would not go without controversy and anger expressed by white supremacisst who want their "so-called heritage" back on display.

They were right. CNN reports Sunday afternoon a noose was found in Bubba's garage by an unidentified crew member. He notified security and now the FBI has taken over the case. Security had already been stepped up because of numerous threats. On Monday, U.S. Attorney, Jay Town, announced his office, the FBI, and the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division were involved in the investigation. He added that there is no place for this type of behavior in today's society. Phelps said it's only a matter of time before they find out who did it, and he takes this matter very seriously. NASCAR's president admitted taking the flag down was going to happen with or without Bubba's request eventually. In spite of its Southern roots, the iconic racing brand wanted to grow and had been trying to distance the sport from the rebel flag's racist stigma for years.

Meanwhile, CNN reports they got a lot of rough days ahead as disgruntled fans brought Confederate flags to the Talladega track for Sunday's race and a plane flew overhead pulling a "Defund NASCAR" banner. This too shall pass, because those peddling hatred are out numbered and out classed. The majority of fans overwhelmingly support Bubba Wallace and NASCAR's decision to take a stand against racism. Wallace is from Mobile, Alabama and Governor Kay Ivy said the disgusting display of hatred was appalling. Ivy stated that Wallace was one of them and apologized to him and his family for the "vile act."

People came out of the woodwork to show love and support for Bubba Wallace, including the legendary Richard Petty. The seven-time NASCAR champion will celebrate his 83rd birthday next month and hasn't been in attendance at the races this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Petty not only owns Wallace's No. 43, but he made it famous. Hearing someone hung a noose in his garage and threatened his race team made him furious. Petty told the news he risked his health to attend the Talladega race to support his driver.

Known as The King, the NASCAR legend said the filthy act of racism has no place in sports or society and demonstrates the long road ahead to eradicate prejudiced beliefs. Bubba's fellow drivers also came to his support from Michael McDowell, Ryan Blaney, and others. Even the motorsports Hall of Famers Jeff Gordon and semi-retired Dale Earnhardt Jr. made statements denouncing the hate-driven act as evil, cowardly, and enraging. Phelps said it was difficult to tell Bubba about the noose and, though he was hurt, the race car star handled the news with grace.