Bubba Wallace, the prominent NASCAR driver for 23XI Racing, recently shared his concerns about the increasing criticism and negativity that success can bring, particularly in the world of social media. Speaking after his notable victory at Indianapolis, Wallace warned new Cup Series competitor Shane Van Gisbergen about the inevitable scrutiny that follows on-track achievements, emphasizing how online hate often shadows triumph.
Wallace, who is the sole Black driver competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, has faced persistent online harassment that sometimes crosses into deeply offensive territory. His political views have been misrepresented repeatedly, fueling unjust attacks amid the racing community’s social platforms.
Addressing the Growing Hostility in NASCAR’s Online Community
In a candid discussion on the Stacking Pennies podcast with former Cup driver Corey LaJoie, Wallace touched on how social media has become a double-edged sword for athletes. Despite its potential benefits, he described it as a toxic environment that often amplifies hatred and judgment.
Wallace stated,
Social media is the worst. And I think I may have said this every time I get on any podcast or whatever, it’s absolute worst.
Although critical, he acknowledged the value of engaging online when used appropriately, adding,
If you do it right, it could be the absolute best. It’s actually fun to get on there and see where the goalpost is moving.
He then addressed Van Gisbergen’s recent success, recognizing the backlash even a newcomer can encounter.
That’s like after Shane (van Gisbergen) won Sonoma. I wanted to get back on there and just be like, ‘Man, you have no haters, but you’ve won three of these things now, you’re going to earn some just for simply winning.
Wallace offered a pointed yet humorous welcome to the harsh realities of competitive sports: Welcome to sports!
History of Adversity Throughout Wallace’s NASCAR Career
Wallace’s career has been shaped by both his racing talent and the adversity he has endured. In 2020, his garage was the site of a disturbing incident when a crew member discovered a noose, prompting a formal report to NASCAR. This event occurred shortly after Wallace led efforts to remove the Confederate flag from NASCAR venues, a move that stirred significant backlash among some fans.
That weekend, several spectators retaliated by displaying the Confederate Battle Flag, known as the Southern Cross, at the track, escalating tensions further. Despite these challenges, Wallace has remained resolute, continuing to break barriers and demonstrate resilience in the face of hostility.
The Impact and Future Implications of NASCAR Scrutiny on Rising Stars
The message from Wallace to Van Gisbergen underscores the complexity of growth within professional sports, where success can attract both admiration and criticism. As Van Gisbergen adapts to NASCAR, he may soon confront the same social media scrutiny and fan reactions that Wallace has long managed.
Wallace’s experience highlights not only the pressures of competing at the highest levels but also the broader issues of race, respect, and online conduct in modern racing culture. How the community and new athletes respond to this environment could influence NASCAR’s future landscape significantly.
