Bubba Wallace puts BLM in the fast lane

©NASCAR

40

©NASCAR

As the lone black driver in NASCAR's top series, Bubba Wallace is naturally inclined to promote a civil rights message in the wake of the recent racial injustice protests in the US.

Last night at Martinsville in Virginia, the #43 Richard Petty Motorsports Chevrolet raced with a new 'Black Lives Matter' livery that supported the global human rights movement.

The initiative followed NASCAR's big decision to ban all Confederate flags from its tracks which the series believes are a stain on the sport's attempts at inclusiveness.

Wallace's inspired drive on Wednesday night delivered an 11th-place finish, the 26-year-old falling short of a spot among the top-ten after losing out to Martinsville master Jimmie Johnson.

But Bubba's message was on point!

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.