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Bubba Wallace applauds 'huge, pivotal moment' for NASCAR after Confederate flag ban

NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace

Bubba Wallace welcomed NASCAR's decision to ban the Confederate flag from flying at its races and properties, hailing a "huge, pivotal moment for the sport".

Wallace, the division's only black driver, had called for the banishment of a flag which is viewed by many as a symbol of racism and slavery, saying there was "no place" for it in the sport.

There have been protests at racial injustice across the United States and beyond after George Floyd died in police custody last month.

NASCAR said the flag "runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry".

The decision was made prior to Wednesday's race at Martinsville Speedway, where Wallace - wearing a United States flag on his face mask and an "I Can't Breathe" T-shirt - discussed the announcement.

Asked by FOX Sports for his thoughts, Wallace applauded into the microphone and added: "Bravo. Props to NASCAR and everybody involved.

"This has been a stressful couple of weeks, and this is no doubt the biggest race of my career tonight. It couldn't be at a more perfect place, where I got my first win in the Truck Series in 2013 and followed it up with my second one in 2014.

"I'm excited about tonight. There's a lot of emotions on the race track and off the race track that are riding with us. Tonight's something special, today's been something special.

"Again, hats off to NASCAR. [NASCAR president Steve] Phelps and I have been in contact a lot, just trying to figure out what steps are next. That was a huge, pivotal moment for the sport.

"[There has been] a lot of backlash, but it creates doors and allows the community to come together as one. That's what the real mission is here. I'm excited about that.

Wallace finished 11th in a race won by Martin Truex Jr. Drivers' championship leader Kevin Harvick was back in 15th.

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