"The presence of the Confederate flag at NASCAR events goes against our commitment to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry," NASCAR said in a statement posted on its website a few hours before. its race Wednesday evening at Martinsville. , Virginia.
"Bringing people together for a love of racing and the community it creates is what makes our fans and the sport special. The display of the Confederate flag will be prohibited on all NASCAR events and properties."
"No one should feel uncomfortable when it comes to a NASCAR race. It starts with the Confederate flags," said Wallace. "Get them out of here. They don't have a place for them."
Before Wednesday's race, Wallace told Fox Sports 1 that NASCAR had made the right choice.
"Well done," he said, clapping. "Accessories for NASCAR and everyone involved. ... There are a lot of emotions on and off the track riding with us. Tonight is something special. Today was special. Hats off to NASCAR. "
Wallace had told CNN that he didn't mind the Confederate flags at first, but after finding out, he saw how uncomfortable it made people.
"There will be many angry people who will proudly carry these flags but it is time to change," he said.
Wallace wore a "Can't breathe" T-shirt in solidarity with protesters around the world on Sunday during a race who called for justice in the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in his hands of the Minneapolis Police. .
He wore the shirt again on Wednesday.
A week after Floyd's death on May 25 and amid massive protests for racial justice, NASCAR released a statement.
"For us to heal and progress as a nation, we must all listen more and be united in the fight against racism, hatred and senseless violence and loss of life. And we must all hold ourselves accountable for the conduct of positive changes. " Says NASCAR.
The mayor of Charlotte Vi Lyles tweeted his appreciation.
"Thank you, NASCAR for doing the right thing. You are so central to our Carolina culture and I am pleased that spectators and fans of all races, especially black fans like me, will feel more welcomed and respected at your events, "Lyles tweeted. .
The NASCAR Hall of Fame is in Charlotte, and almost all of the sports teams are based in the region.
Tennis legend Billie Jean King applauded the decision.
"It should have been done a long time ago," she tweeted. "Nevertheless, thank you, @NASCAR, for coming out on the right side of history by banning Confederate flags at events and properties."
Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., simply tweeted: "#NASCAR, family ..."
Wallace raced a black car with the words "#blacklivesmatter" Wednesday night when he finished 11th.
In 2013, Wallace, 26, became the first African-American driver since Wendell Scott (1963) to win a NASCAR-sponsored event when he won a series truck race at Martinsville
Martinsville is one of the tracks where Confederate flags are often seen in parking lots and campgrounds, but Wednesday's race will have no fans.
NASCAR will only allow a limited number of fans into the stands until Sunday during the Cup race in Homestead, Florida.
NASCAR was formed in 1948 and manages three national series - Cup, Xfinity, and trucks.
