Dale Jr., Kyle Busch and NASCAR’s biggest stars release video about fighting racism, inequality

NASCAR’s biggest names made a video about fighting racism through listening and education.

Following nearly two weeks of protests around the United States and the world against police brutality and for justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, among so many others, some of the biggest names in NASCAR created a video explaining how they plan to combat racial injustice.

Drivers who participated in the video include Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. — the only black driver in the NASCAR Cup Series — Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Martin Truex Jr., Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano and Daniel Suárez. For some, like Busch, Harvick and Truex, this is the first substantial comment they’ve made on social media about the protests, police brutality or racism in the last couple weeks.

Tweeted by several drivers less than an hour before Sunday’s Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, their collective statement acknowledges how listening and education are critical and early steps in fighting racism.

Many tweeted some variation of the caption: “I will listen and learn,” while some added #BlackLivesMatter.

This is a transcript of the statement the drivers made in the video:

“We’re no strangers to moving fast. And we know how life can have that same quality. But now is the time to slow down and reflect. The events of recent weeks highlighted the work we still need to do as a nation to condemn racial inequality and racism. The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery and countless others in the black community are heartbreaking and can no longer be ignored.

“The process begins with us listening and learning because understanding the problem is the first step in fixing it. We are committed to listening with empathy and with an open heart to better educate ourselves. We will use this education to advocate for change in our nation, our communities and, most importantly, in our own homes, even after the headlines go away.

“All of our voices, they make a difference, no matter how big or how small. It is all of our responsibility to no longer be silent. We just can’t stay silent. We have a long road ahead of us, but let’s commit to make that journey together. Our differences should not divide us. It is our love for all mankind that will unite us as we work together to make real change.”

Prior to the start of Sunday’s race while on pit road, Wallace was also wearing an American flag mask and a black t-shirt with “I Can’t Breathe” and “Black Lives Matter” written on it.

The video is part of NASCAR’s plan Sunday to address the protests against racial injustices. Before the 325-lap, 500.5-mile race begins, there will be a moment of silence, and a statement from NASCAR president Steve Phelps also will be shown on the FOX broadcast, followed by the video from drivers, per the NASCAR pool report.

Prior to engines starting, FOX also showed this previously recorded interview with Wallace and a statement from driver turned broadcaster Jeff Gordon. The national anthem — still virtually done because of the coronavirus pandemic — was also performed by 12-year-old Keedron Bryant, a gospel singer who went viral a couple weeks ago for singing an emotional song following Floyd’s death.

Here’s a sample of some drivers’ tweets with the video about fighting racism:

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