Richard Petty: The ‘sick person’ who left noose in Bubba Wallace’s garage ‘must be found’

NASCAR legend Richard Petty says he was “enraged” when he learned a noose was found in Bubba Wallace’s garage on Sunday.

Petty, who owns the team Wallace drives for, released a statement Monday condemning the racist act. In reads, in part, “There is absolutely no place in our sport or our society for racism. This filthy act serves as a reminder of how far we still have to go to eradicate racial prejudice and it galvanizes my resolve to use the resources of Richard Petty Motorsports to create change. The sick person who perpetrated this act must be found.”

The 82-year-old Petty, who hasn’t appeared at a race since the sport resumed in May, showed his support for NASCAR’s only black driver by showing up at Monday’s event at Talladega SuperSpeedway. He said, “I stand shoulder to shoulder with Bubba, yesterday, today, tomorrow and every day forward.”

Until the person who did this is caught, should Wallace fear for his safety? When a southerner as old as Petty speaks out against racism, does it amplify the outrageousness of this crime in this day and age?