While many criticized NASCAR for only releasing one small statement on racial inequality following the murder of George Floyd on May 25th, an event which has sparked protests and riots across all 50 states and numerous countries, those criticisms should certainly subside after the opening moments of the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
The NASCAR on FOX broadcast started with a stirring talk from Jeff Gordon, who admitted that while he and Bubba Wallace are both competitors who have made it to the pinnacle of NASCAR, that their paths could not be any more different.
With a tear in his eye, Gordon proclaimed that he could do better, we should all do better. Gordon ended his moving talk by saying, “We are ready for change.”
"We are listening. We are learning. We are ready for change."- Jeff Gordon pic.twitter.com/640QuG2Rwa
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) June 7, 2020
As the cars worked onto the 1.54 mile speedway for pace laps, NASCAR radioed that drivers park their vehicles on the frontstretch, NASCAR President Steve Phelps addressed the drivers and fans watching at home.
Following the address by Phelps, a moment of silence was taken in honor of Floyd and every victim of racial inequality in the United States.
After the moment of silence concluded, a video of the NASCAR Cup Series competitors taking a stance against racism put an exclamation point on the pre-race moment.
It was an incredible moment that shows the sanctioning body understands what is happening and their place in the healing process.
A moment of silence and a message from NASCAR President Steve Phelps and drivers. pic.twitter.com/jy1U48qeLX
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) June 7, 2020
One Response
Yes, let’s all kowtow to lawlessness on our streets in the name of social injustice.
MLK asked that his children be judged not on the color of their skin but the content of their character…I don’t see a lot of character in burning police cars and destroying hardworking people’s businesses.
I believe all are created equal and I also believe in law and order.