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23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace managed a second-place finish in the NASCAR All-Star Race. Despite the good result, Wallace's weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway was overshadowed by the post-race incidents that grabbed the headlines.
In the post-race interview with Fox Sports, Bubba Wallace inconspicuously raised his left middle finger when Jamie Little was asking him a question. He then adjusted his collar with the same finger.
NASCAR had noted Bubba Wallace flipping the bird live on TV but decided not to fine the driver, as he is said to have directed the gesture towards a friend without any malicious intent.
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It wasn't the only incident on Sunday night that marred Wallace's excellent result. After he took the checkered flag for the All-Star Race, someone hijacked the #23 team radio channel to make racist comments.
The radio transcript from the #23 driver read:
"Go back to where you came from you a******. You’re not wanted in NASCAR."
A spokesperson from 23XI Racing stated that Wallace did not hear or acknowledge the ill-intended comments at the time. NASCAR officials have confirmed their security operation is investigating the incident to determine who infiltrated the radio systems and how they managed to do so.
Bubba Wallace responds to the critics in the grandstands
Bubba Wallace was not a fan favorite at North Wilkesboro Speedway as he was booed multiple times during the weekend.
Wallace was jeered by the fans after the NASCAR Truck Series race on Saturday. He finished fifth in the Tyson 250 Truck race and was booed by his critics in the stands as he got out of his #1 Truck.
The 29-year-old is unfazed by the incident as he has dealt with it multiple times before. He said in the post-race interview:
"It's every week. It's sports, it's always going to be there. You're really close to the stage, it does make a difference, it's gonna be there every weekend.
"As long as you continue to live your life judging a book by it's cover, that's who you are. Don't change it up for anybody else. That's the biggest thing. I finished 5th, I got a good payday, I'm good."
The following day, Wallace was once again greeted by fans in a similar manner during the driver introductions for the All-Star Race. He responded to the tough crowd with a crying gesture.
Despite receiving rough treatment from the audience, Wallace said the atmosphere was “way better than Texas.” He said:
"Racing in front of a packed crowd, whether they're for you or against you, is still cool, they're still making noise."
Putting the eventful All-Star weekend behind him, the 23XI Racing driver is excited for this weekend's race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
