"I felt immense relief" - When Jimmie Johnson discussed the alleged noose found in Bubba Wallace's garage involving the FBI

When NASCAR authorities found a noose inside Bubba Wallace's #43 Richard Petty Motorsport garage in 2020, it sent ripples across the motorsport fraternity. Back then, it was regarded as a hate crime, pointing towards Wallace's skin color, who was the only Black driver in NASCAR. However, it was later found out that the noose was not directed towards Wallace, which was a relief for many, including Jimmie Johnson.

Johnson was one of the few NASCAR personalities who decided to stand with Wallace and lend his support to the former #43 man. The incident, during the Talladega race back in 2020, had come amid the series of racism Darrel Wallace Jr. faced from a certain section of fans.

Johnson, who has retired from racing, spoke about this in 2021. He shared that he stood alongside Wallace that race weekend, and seeing him, others joined in to pour their support. In a conversation with Graham Bensinger of the In-Depth podcast, Johnson said:

"When I found out that the noose wasn’t there for the reasons we thought it was, I had such relief, and it was wild how the reaction was for others… The controversy that followed and people that thought the sport was trying to make something of it."

However, Johnson wasn't too happy with how NASCAR handled such a sensitive incident. Speaking about this, he added,

"And, I wish NASCAR handled things a little differently with the press release. I think a few words would have changed, if ‘alleged noose’ was in there.”

NASCAR, although, sent out an immediate response to the Bubba Wallace situation. They released a statement, unequivocally condemning the act and called for an urgent inquiry into the matter.

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What did the FBI investigation reveal on the noose case involving Bubba Wallace?

Former NASCAR driver Richard Petty (middle, in cowboy hat) stands near the car of NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (43) Source: Imagn Images

While many regarded the noose as a sign of a hate crime against Bubba Wallace, the FBI investigation report said otherwise. The Federal body revealed that the noose had been in the garage since October 2019. That was months before Wallace's #43 team took over the garage.

NASCAR released a statement clarifying the noose issue. Here is the statement,

"The FBI report concludes, and photographic evidence confirms, that the garage door pull rope fashioned like a noose had been positioned there since as early as last fall. This was obviously well before the 43 team's arrival and garage assignment."

"We appreciate the FBI's quick and thorough investigation and are thankful to learn that this was not an intentional, racist act against Bubba. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all who love racing."

NASCAR moves to Talladega, for the second time this season, this weekend for the second race of Round of 12 of the 2024 season.