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By Alex Harrington
Sports Contributing Writer
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NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace has admitted his stance on the potential attendance of President Donald Trump at the Daytona 500 this week.
During a recent media event, Wallace confirmed that his focus remains squarely on the race, rather than any level of politics looming over the event. Reflecting a sentiment of indifference towards the political figure's presence, Wallace stated the following:
"Couldn't care less if Trump shows up at NASCAR's biggest race of the year."
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He continued: "We're here to race. Not for the show."
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More News: Donald Trump's Expected Daytona 500 Appearance Raises Concerns With Fans
The backdrop to Wallace's comments stems from an incident that unfolded in the summer of 2020, creating a rift between him and Trump. During this period, a noose was found hanging in Wallace's stall at the Talladega Superspeedway, leading to a widely publicized investigation by federal authorities.
The conclusion of the investigation revealed that the noose had been there since the previous fall and was not a hate crime. Despite this, Trump controversially referred to the incident as a "HOAX" on social media.
"Has [Bubba Wallace apologized] to all of those great NASCAR drivers & officials who came to his aid, stood by his side, & were willing to sacrifice everything for him, only to find out that the whole thing was just another HOAX? That & Flag decision has caused lowest ratings EVER!" he posted to X.
Wallace's response at the time was pointed. He poignantly stated:
"Always deal with the hate being thrown at you with LOVE!... Love should come naturally as people are TAUGHT to hate. Even when it's HATE from the POTUS." Wallace's reply to Trump was shared widely.
He continued: "So to be late to the party is one thing, and to be wrong on the factual information is another. But all in all, he did get one thing right in his tweet, though: the great officials that continue to stand behind me — NASCAR drivers and officials that continue to stand behind me through it all — he got that part right. We have a great sport that I'm proud to be a part of."
More News: Bubba Wallace Sends Message to Brad Keselowski After 'Greedy' Move
Trump himself is no stranger to the Daytona 500, having attended the race in 2020 as the Grand Marshal, where he applauded the event's embodiment of "pure American glory."
As tradition demands, he began the event with the iconic phrase, "Gentlemen, start your engines!" and carried out a parade lap around the track in the Presidential limousine.
As of now, it's reported that President Trump will be attending the race this week, yet NASCAR has not officially confirmed this attendance.
More News: NASCAR Fans Can Now Watch Daytona 500 On New Platform
The Daytona 500 will take place on February 16th but starts today.
When and how to watch the NASCAR Daytona 500
Wednesday, February 12
10.05 a.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series - Practice 1
Follow live on FS1, MRN, or SiriusXM.
8.15 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series - Qualifying
Follow live on FS1, MRN, or SiriusXM.
Thursday, February 13
4.05 p.m. ET: ARCA Menards Series - Practice
5.05 p.m. ET: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series - Practice
Follow live on FS1.
7 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series - Duel 1 at Daytona
Follow live on FS1, MRN, or SiriusXM.
8.45 p.m. ET: Nascar Cup Series - Duel 2 at Daytona
Follow live on FS1, MRN, or SiriusXM.
Friday, February 14
1.30 p.m. ET: ARCA Menards Series - Qualifying
3 p.m. ET: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series - Qualifying
Follow live on FS1.
4.35 p.m. ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series - Practice
Follow live on CW.
5.35 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series - Practice 2
Follow live on FS1, MRN, or SiriusXM.
7.30 p.m. ET: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series - Fresh From Florida 250
Follow live on FS1, MRN, or SiriusXM.
Saturday, February 15
10 a.m. ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series - Qualifying
Follow live on CW.
12 p.m. ET: ARCA Menards Series - Daytona ARCA 200
Follow live on FOX, MRN, or SiriusXM.
3.05 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series - Practice 3
Follow live on FS2, MRN, or SiriusXM.
5 p.m. ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series - United Rentals 300
Follow live on CW, MRN, or SiriusXM.
Sunday, February 16
2.30 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series - Daytona 500
Follow live on FOX, MRN, or SiriusXM.
For the latest NASCAR news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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