NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace has spoken out about the toxic environment that social media has become, especially for those in the sport. Following his recent landmark victory at Indianapolis, Wallace highlighted the wave of unwarranted criticism and negativity that often accompanies success, offering a warning to newcomer Shane Van Gisbergen about the challenges that lie ahead. The focus keyword Shane Van Gisbergen NASCAR scrutiny reflects this growing issue within the racing community.
Wallace, who races full-time for 23XI Racing, has faced continuous online harassment as the only Black driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, where opinions quickly turn hostile. His political views have also been misinterpreted online, resulting in hateful backlash that sometimes crosses acceptable lines.
Experiencing and Managing Online Hostility
In a recent interview on the Stacking Pennies podcast with former Cup driver Corey LaJoie, Wallace discussed his reaction to the increasing negativity in the NASCAR fanbase. Although the conversation primarily celebrated his Indianapolis victory, Wallace took the opportunity to comment on social media’s dark side.
He stated,
Social media is the worst. And I think I may have said this every time I get on any podcast or whatever, it’s absolute worst.
However, he also acknowledged the positive potential of these platforms, adding,
If you do it right, it could be the absolute best. It’s actually fun to get on there and see where the goalpost is moving.
Wallace explained how victories can unexpectedly lead to increased negativity. Reflecting on Van Gisbergen’s success at Sonoma, he remarked,
That’s like after Shane (van Gisbergen) won Sonoma. I wanted to get back on there and just be like, ‘Man, you have no haters, but you’ve won three of these things now, you’re going to earn some just for simply winning.
His slightly sarcastic note welcomed Van Gisbergen to the harsh realities of professional sports: Welcome to sports!
The Ongoing Impact of Racism and Harassment in NASCAR
Wallace’s warning underscores the difficulties Van Gisbergen could face as his spotlight grows, especially given how Wallace himself has endured years of intense scrutiny. A notable example of this was the 2020 incident involving a noose found in Wallace’s garage. The crew member who discovered it reported it to NASCAR, amid heightened tensions following Wallace’s efforts to remove the Confederate flag from NASCAR events.
The backlash to these efforts was severe, with some fans flying the Southern Cross flag at the track as a form of protest. Despite the personal attacks and sustained online abuse, Wallace has maintained his stance and becomes a symbol of resilience within the sport.
Implications for NASCAR’s Future Competitors
Bubba Wallace’s experiences highlight the darker side of the intense public scrutiny that comes with rising success in NASCAR. Shane Van Gisbergen, having already claimed multiple victories, may soon contend with the same level of criticism and harsh judgment. This ongoing challenge reflects a broader issue within sports where success invites both admiration and unwarranted hostility. How Van Gisbergen navigates this landscape could shape his future career as much as his skill on the track.