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.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired forward Peyton Watson in a multi-team trade finalized in August…
James Harden is staying in Cleveland. The veteran guard has agreed to a three-year, $97…
Mexico's relationship with the international soccer establishment is facing a potentially significant turning point after…
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte did not appear for Monday's series opener against the…
A family rift has erupted at the top of the Los Angeles Lakers, as Jeanie…
Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from professional tennis after testing positive…