Sports leagues like the NBA and NFL have already come forward to openly support the Black Lives Matter movement. Now, NASCAR has denounced racism and support for Black Lives Matter with a message from NASCAR President Steve Phelps and many drivers - they're at the end of the video.
Phelps shared his message before the NASCAR Cup Folds of Honor race in Atlanta on Sunday. Before Phelps asked drivers, crew and TV audience to observe a moment of silence in memory of George Floyd, he said "Our country is in pain and people are justifiably angry, demanding to be heard. The Black community and all people of color have suffered in our country and it has taken far too long for us to hear their demands for change." Phelps added "Our sport must do better. Our country must do better."
The president's statement comes as NASCAR still faces still faces issues, with some owners like Richard Petty saying they'd never support national anthem protests and fans flying confederate flags at races. NASCAR's fan demographic is 94% white. There is only one African-American driver, Bubba Wallace, in NASCAR. More on the story here.
And, Bubba Wallace has called for a ban on Confederate flags at NASCAR racetracks. More here.
The following photos are of Bubba Wallace, driver of the #43 McDonald's Chevrolet, wearing an "I Can't Breath - Black Lives Matter" T-shirt under his fire suit in solidarity with protesters around the world taking to the streets after the death of George Floyd on May 25 while in the custody of Minneapolis, Minnesota police.
He's standing on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on June 07, 2020 in Hampton, Georgia.
(Photos by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)