Interview with Bubba Wallace: The Most Hated NASCAR Driver on His Controversies, Racism, and Public Perception
Interviewer (I): Bubba, thank you for joining us today. You’ve been the subject of many headlines over the years, particularly regarding your stance on racism in NASCAR. Let’s start with the big question: How do you feel being labeled as the most hated driver in NASCAR?
Bubba Wallace (BW): First off, I appreciate you having me. It’s tough, honestly. It’s never easy being the target of hatred, especially when you’re in the public eye. I’ve never set out to be hated or to be divisive. I’m just trying to do my job, drive fast, and be true to myself. But I understand that my actions and stances have put me in a place where I’m often seen as controversial. And that’s just part of the deal when you stand for something different.
I: You’ve been at the center of several controversial moments in your career, from the “noose incident” in 2020 to your vocal stance against racism in NASCAR. How did that particular moment, when the FBI investigated the noose found in your garage, affect you personally and professionally?
BW: It was one of the most surreal moments of my life. When I found out about the noose in my garage, I had a lot of emotions running through me—anger, frustration, sadness. But the most shocking part was seeing how divided people became over it. For some, they saw it as a clear act of racism. For others, they dismissed it, and that really stung. I’ve had people question whether it was a hoax, whether I was just trying to make noise, and that’s something that I’ll always carry with me. I’m proud of the way NASCAR handled the situation, and it showed me who truly had my back. It was a pivotal moment in terms of raising awareness, but it also made me realize just how deeply ingrained racism can be in places we least expect.
I: NASCAR took a strong stance, and there was widespread support for you from other drivers, but there were also detractors. How do you respond to people who accused you of exploiting race for attention or trying to create division within the sport?
BW: I think those critics miss the point entirely. This isn’t about me. It’s about a much bigger issue. People who say that I’m exploiting race don’t understand what it’s like to be the only Black person in a space like NASCAR. This is about representation and standing up for what’s right. If I didn’t speak out, who would? We need to push NASCAR and other sports to reflect the world we live in, and if that makes some people uncomfortable, that’s a conversation I’m willing to have. I’ve never wanted to make this all about me, but it’s important to use my platform for something meaningful.
I: Let’s talk about your performance on the track. There’s been criticism that you haven’t earned your place in NASCAR or that you’re more about the social causes than your results. How do you deal with that kind of criticism?
BW: The thing about racing is, it’s results-driven. Nobody’s going to care how much you talk if you can’t back it up on the track. That’s just the reality of the sport. But I’ve been working every single day to improve as a driver. People forget that it took me a long time to get to this level. I’ve been grinding for years, and the sport has a lot of historical barriers. It’s not like NASCAR has been inclusive from the start. So yes, my results may not always reflect where I want them to be, but I’m growing. I’m pushing myself, and the team is getting stronger. The criticism is tough, but I try to use it as fuel to keep improving.
I: You’ve faced a lot of personal and public attacks. How do you handle the negativity, especially from those who target you based on your race rather than your abilities as a driver?
BW: It’s hard not to take things personally sometimes. But when you’re in the public eye, you have to build a thick skin. Racism, insults, and hatred are part of the package, especially as someone who’s outspoken about these issues. I’ve had people send me death threats, make terrible jokes, and spread hate. But I try not to focus on the noise. I have a strong support system—family, friends, teammates—and I lean on them. At the end of the day, I’m not going to let anyone’s negativity define me. I’ve learned to focus on what’s important—my career, my values, and the bigger picture of making the sport better for everyone.
I: You’ve spoken a lot about wanting to make NASCAR a more inclusive and welcoming place for people of all races. Do you feel like the sport is moving in the right direction?
BW: It’s a slow process, but I do think NASCAR is heading in the right direction. We’ve seen some real changes since I came in, especially in terms of diversity initiatives and getting more people of color involved. But there’s still a long way to go. The fight for equality in NASCAR is not over, and it won’t be until we see more diversity, not just in the drivers, but in the fans, the teams, and the leadership. There’s a shift happening, and I’m hopeful that it will only grow. But it’s going to take time and a lot of work.
I: Moving forward, what are your personal goals, both on and off the track?
BW: On the track, I want to win races and eventually fight for a championship. That’s always been the dream. But off the track, my goal is to continue pushing for change in NASCAR and other motorsports. I want to be remembered for using my platform to make a difference—not just for myself, but for the next generation of drivers who look like me. It’s about paving the way for them so that they don’t have to face the same barriers I did. I want to leave NASCAR in a better place than when I came in.
I: Bubba, thank you for your time today. It’s been a privilege to hear your perspective.
BW: Thanks for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to speak my truth. It’s not always easy, but it’s important.
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This interview gives a glimpse into Bubba Wallace’s journey, the challenges he’s faced, and his determination to use his platform for good, despite the criticism and adversity. His resilience both on and off the track continues to make him a polarizing but undeniably important figure in NASCAR.