[Lemon:] OK. So on Monday, driver Bubba Wallace right here on this show called on NASCAR to ban the display of the confederate flag at their races and events. Watch this.
[Bubba Wallace, Nascar Driver:] My next step would be to get rid of all confederate flags. There should be no individual that is uncomfortable showing up to our events to have a good time with their family that feels some type of way about something they have seen an object, they have seen flying, no one should feel uncomfortable when they come to a NASCAR race. There's going to be a lot of angry people that carry those flags proudly. But, it's time for change. We have to change that.
[Lemon:] OK, so, you know, I thought it was the next day. But it was actually on Wednesday. So, the day or so after that. NASCAR did, they banned it. Banned the flag. Saying this in a statement. The presence of the confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry. So, Bubba Wallace is here. Bubba, thank you so much. When last we talked, that's what we were talking about. How did it play out? How did you hear about it? What happened?
[Wallace:] Yes, I was actually on my way up to Martinsville, the speed way there. it's about I don't know about 2:00. Steve Phelps, the president called me and he was like, hey man, I just want to let you know we're about to announce that we're are going to ban the confederate flag and I was like, all right. Awesome. Congratulations. This was a move that needed to happen a while ago for sure. But I was proud of the effort by NASCAR. So, hats off to them and have some great leadership for the last couple of years, to be able to kind of start getting some things going.
[Lemon:] Yes. Well, I mean, I'm glad I hope, I think they were watching this show. Be I think we were the first ones to raise that issue with you. We were one of the first interviews that you did. So, listen, I appreciate you taking a stand on that.
[Wallace:] Yes. Absolutely.
[Lemon:] Listen, what are you hearing from fans about the NASCAR banning the flag?
[Wallace:] I hear both sides of it. A lot of positive out reach. A lot of positive impact and gaining new fans as we go. And then you're getting the fans that will never watch a NASCAR race again. The same fans that never watched NFL, after the kneeling. The same fans that are crying out that we're ruining their lives. And just throwing a pity party. As to whether accepting change and understanding why we need this change and why it's such a pivotal moment for our country. I heard the conversation you talked with the mayor there of Houston. And it's like, you know, it's on a global level. That this is an impact. So I'm excited about the change. I wish fans could come back ASAP. Just so we can see the demographic and who shows up, what shows up. Everybody who shows up I want to see and hear what they have to say. But through social media you get both sides of the story, but there's obviously more good than there is bad. So I'm excited about it.
[Lemon:] Well, good. The mayor and I were talking in a break about this. After we were talking about coronavirus. And actually being optimistic that there may be some change coming. And that the country is ready for it. I just want to put this up, because you know, you were talking about people you're hearing, you know, both sides. People are saying I'll never go to NASCAR. There was a truck driver who announced that he was going to be quitting. But then there's another driver who is inspired by you and then released pictures of his car with black lives matter paint schemes on it. And I know you have to be hardened by that. You actually made the decision to wrap your car with black lives matter. That logo. Partly because you didn't have a sponsor for the race. Do you think companies have shied away from sponsoring you because of this? Because of your stance? Because you're African American? What's going on?
[Wallace:] I have no idea. Don, I have been struggling with sponsorship issues for a really long time. Ever since I've joined NASCAR. And I was always told to go out and win and the sponsors will come. But that never did. So, you know, I'm competitive and I go out there and I feed off that. And that's where I just go out and love competing against my competitors there. So, with as much positive outreach and as the image in a brand that's changing on a global level making a big impact in the nation. Sponsors are missing the boat right now. But you know, I would near miss if we didn't thank who we have now on the race car. If you look closely we have the United States Air Force on our car. We have worldwide technology. Coca-Cola. A lot of key partners that help us get to the racetrack and we're excited about that. Chevrolet has been a big partner. Jim McKay reached out to me after the race and was giving me high praise. Leader at Chevrolet there [inaudible]. I'm excited about the direction we're heading with this. I think it was a very important decision. And that I'm thankful for from Richard Petty, Andy Murks, everybody at RPM for following through with the black lives matter car. We raised so much awareness. And that's a first. That's the first step of getting people aware of what's going on and the change that needs to happen. So, thankful for every party involved to allow us to run that scheme and also have a great race. That will put some icing on the cake.
[Lemon:] So, let me just say this, the challenge to anyone out there, especially anyone who is in business who has the resources. If you care about change in this country and the stance that Bubba is taking and NASCAR, sponsor him. Sponsor. Step up. Come into the future. Come into the present. Do the right thing. Bubba is changing.
[Wallace:] Absolutely.
[Lemon:] Helping America change. So, do it. Sponsor him. Do the right thing. There's so many sponsors that he can't even fit the logos on his car. That he has to put them all over the tires. I'm feeling that. I feel that could happen to you, Bubba.
[Wallace:] Hey, Don. If you also notice when we were in Atlanta, we had a McDonald's car. So, McDonalds have been a huge supporter of mine as well. So, I will be [inaudible] if I did not mentioned them and I wore the black lives matter t-shirt. It kind of started there in Atlanta. With given some recognition to McDonalds there and then snowballing and to [inaudible]. So, we're making some good head way from all parties and all avenues. So, we're excited about the change.
[Lemon:] I have a good feeling you'll be all right. Thank you. Keep standing up.
[Wallace:] I appreciate it.
[Lemon:] All right. We are very proud of you. Thank you, Bubba. All right. We'll be right back.