From Richard Petty Motorsports on Twitter:
Tomorrow night at @MartinsvilleSwy, @BubbaWallace will run a special #BlackLivesMatter paint scheme promoting racial equality. #CompassionLoveUnderstanding
As I wrote on Sunday, I would have never believed anyone who told me that a NASCAR team would be running a paint scheme is support of a progressive cause like Black Lives Matters. For years, only conservatives causes like the NRA and the reelection of Republican politicians have made appearances in NASCAR. I think John Gruber hit the nail on the head in comparing the winds of change to Hemingway.
Aside from the initial surprise, it’s something that I’ve seen no one mention yet, but after looking at the top replies to NASCAR and Richard Petty Motorsports on Twitter, I don’t think NASCAR could do what it did Sunday or could Wallace do what is planned for tomorrow if fans were in attendance. Aside from the more reasonable folks at r/NASCAR on Reddit, the fan reaction has largely not been positive.
Despite the embarrassing comments from a subset of NASCAR fans, I am proud of the sanctioning body for the stand it has taken. From erasing Wendell Scott’s legacy until after his death to being friendly with George Wallace in the 1960s, NASCAR’s history with race is complicated at best, and I’m glad that the current administration is taking steps to move forward.
Michael Miller 