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After Failing Inspection Twice, Bubba Wallace Becomes First Black Driver To Lead In Lap At Daytona 500

HAMPTON, GEORGIA - JUNE 07: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #43 McDonald's Chevrolet, wears a "I Can't Breathe - Black Lives Matter" T-shirt under his fire suit in solidarity with protesters around the world taking to the streets after the death of George Floyd on May 25 while in the custody of Minneapolis, Minnesota police, stands during the national anthem prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on June 07, 2020 in Hampton, Georgia. (Image: Getty)

Bubba Wallace did not get the start he wanted to, but it worked out in the end.

Wallace’s number 23 car failed the pre-game inspection twice at the Daytona 500 before passing on the third inspection. The inspection failure prompted the ejection of Wallace’s car chief Greg Emmer from the race. As for Wallace, he was forced to start from the back of the field. The 27-year-old driver was slated to start in the third row before the failed inspection forced him in the back.

However, despite starting from the back, it did not stop the 27-year-old. Wallace went on to become the first black driver to lead a lap in the Daytona 500. He grabbed the lead on lap 129 before losing it to the two-time defending champion Denny Hamlin.

Wallace finished 17th as Michael McDowell won the Daytona 500. Wallace had high expectations heading into the race. Although he didn’t win, he did make history.

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