Prior to this weekend's race, NASCAR made a big and bold statement.

Before the start of this weekend's Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, NASCAR President Steve Phelps had drivers shut their cars down, as he read the following message over the public address system, on team radios, and on the television broadcast:

“The black community and all people of color have suffered in our country, and it has taken far too long for us to hear their demands for change. Our sport must do better. Our country must do better. The time is now to listen, to understand and to stand against racism and racial injustice."

The movement didn't end with NASCAR leadership, as multiple drivers made public announcements, or public displays prior to the race in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. A video was release online featuring some of the biggest names in NASCAR, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr., Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, and Denny Hamlin.

At the race, Richard Petty Motorsports driver Bubba Wallace wore a Black Lives Matter shirt that read "I Can't Breathe". He was running as high as 6th during the race, but experienced some issues with the #43 car that required an unscheduled pit stop. He eventually finished 21st.

NASCAR Cup Series Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500
Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images
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After the race, Wallace had to be taken to the hospital for some dizziness. He was quickly treated and released. Wallace made fun of the incident with a reference to the video game "Call of Duty" in a Tweet

 

 
 

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