Governor Alabama. "I'm asking the NASCAR family to unite around Wallace"

The governor of Alabama Kay Ivey made a statement on Monday apologizing for NASCAR Cup Series director Bubba Wallace.

Sunday night, the NASCAR world was startled by a scandalous action in which a noose was found in Bubba Wallace's garage. The noose serves as a symbol for the intimidation against the black population in America. NASCAR is already investigating the incident.

"I am shocked and appalled to hear of yesterday’s vile act against Bubba Wallace in Talladega - there is no place for this disgusting display of hatred in our state. Racism and threats of this nature will not be condoned nor tolerated, and I commit to assisting in any way possible to ensure that the person responsible for this is caught and punished", Ivey says.

"While the important conversation of racial reconciliation is ongoing all over our country, it is clear there is much work to do. Bubba Wallace is one of us; he is a native of Mobile and on behalf of all Alabamians, I apologize to Bubba Wallace as well as to his family and friends for the hurt this has caused and regret the mark this leaves on our state", the governor continues.

"I ask the NASCAR family to rally around Bubba and his team as they compete today and I know that there are more people who are wishing him well today than ever before", Ivey ends.

NASCAR banned the display of the Confederate flag at all events on 10 June.