NASCAR says noose found in Wallace's garage

NASCAR said it is investigating after a noose was found in the garage of black driver Bubba Wallace on Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama.

"Late this afternoon, NASCAR was made aware that a noose was found in the garage stall of the 43 team. We are angry and outraged, and cannot state strongly enough how seriously we take this heinous act," NASCAR said in a statement. "We have launched an immediate investigation, and will do everything we can to identify the person(s) responsible and eliminate them from the sport.

"As we have stated unequivocally, there is no place for racism in NASCAR, and this act only strengthens our resolve to make the sport open and welcoming to all."

Wallace said in a statement that he was "incredibly saddened" by the "despicable act of racism."

pic.twitter.com/koL655AJB9- Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) June 22, 2020

The incident comes after NASCAR banned the Confederate flag from being displayed at its events. On Sunday, supporters of the symbol still managed to be seen before the race was postponed to Monday because of inclement weather.

Vehicles lined the boulevard outside the track, waving the flag and a plane flew above the track towing a banner of the Confederate flag that said "Defund NASCAR."

NASCAR has not stated how exactly it plans to stop fans from displaying the flag on track property.