Bubba Wallace throws a block party in Hyde Park to introduce NASCAR to a new audience

NASCAR’s Bubba Wallace threw a block party in Hyde Park on Wednesday night, bringing together racing fans old and new.

Wallace drives the No. 23 Toyota Camry for 23XI Bulls legend Michael Jordan and is the only black driver in NASCAR’s top racing series. He said the block gig is geared towards attracting new fans, especially those who have never considered racing tuning.

“This is an incredible demographic to be a part of and benefit from,” said Wallace. The block party “is for people who are on the fence about NASCAR, or who have been a fan. This gives them a chance to get out, have a good time, and learn about what NASCAR is all about.”

The free event, now in its second year, is a national initiative launched by Wallace and NASCAR. The goal is to broaden the sport’s appeal to otherwise overlooked audiences. Previous group concerts have taken place in Birmingham, Alabama, and Richmond, Virginia.

Chicago-born rapper Lupe Fiasco also performed in concert at the DuSable Black Museum of History and Education Center. Attendees watched Wallace’s pit crew change tires on a car and take the wheel on a NASCAR racing simulator.

Hyde Park residents Monique Howard and Darrell McFaten are big NASCAR fans but they can’t take part in this weekend’s races. The block party was the next best thing.

“I can’t name five football players, I can’t name five basketball players. But I can name every NASCAR driver,” Howard said. “I love watching NASCAR. Racing, Need for Speed ​​is very exciting.”

McFatten, who has been a NASCAR fan since he was a kid, introduced Howard to the sport. Race days on Sundays are an important ritual for both. They have also traveled all over the country to watch the races.

“The pace is exciting, and it’s impressive to watch the drivers,” said McFaten. “I love understanding and learning about the mechanics of cars.”

Adam Steele is in town from Madison, Wisconsin, for the race—his first time attending one. He’s a longtime NASCAR fan, and he came to the block party wearing Wallace gear.

“Bringing this to the South Side is really cool,” said Steele, whose family hails from the South Side. Everything Bubba does, supporting progressive causes, Throwing away the Confederate flag, that’s what makes Bubba a hero. Even if he never races again.”

Wallace successfully convinced NASCAR to ban Confederate flags, flown from recreational vehicles in the highway field and visible to television cameras, from racing and racing with “Black Lives Matter” painted on his car.

Less than two weeks after the ban was imposed, a noose was found in Wallace’s garage at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. The FBI later determined that Wallace was not the target of a hate crime.

35-year-old Hyde Park resident Rob Lockhart brought his seven children to the block party. Growing up, Lockhart was a huge fan of “NASCAR Racers,” an animated TV show about NASCAR drivers racing on futuristic tracks.

But this week’s festivities are the first time he’s been enjoying a real-life version of NASCAR.

“I am absolutely obsessed with seeing this, and for something like this to come to our city,” said Lockhart. “I want to try and get into racing now, and share that with my family.”

Julie Berrios decided to get tickets to the weekend’s races at the last minute—her 4-year-old grandson is a huge NASCAR fan. She brought her children and grandchildren to the Wednesday party.

Prius’ 12-year-old daughter, Zoe Baskin, learned more about how NASCAR works and what to expect during the race.

“I am really excited,” said Zooey. “I’ve never seen anything like this in real life, and I’m glad my nephew experienced it.”