The FBI is investigating the discovery of a noose in the garage of NASCAR driver, Bubba Wallace.
The incident occurred at Talladega Superspeedway over the weekend, and has been condemned by Alabama Governor, Kay Ivey.
Wallace is the only full-time black NASCAR driver.
Talladega County Sheriff Jimmy Kilgore said NASCAR contacted the FBI, who will be conducting the criminal investigation into the matter.
The 26-year old had been an advocate of NASCAR's banning of the Confederate flag's display at raceways.
Wallace released a statement late on Friday night, saying, "Today's despicable act of racism and hatred leaves me incredibly saddened and serves as a painful reminder of how much further we have to go as a society and how persistent we must be in the fight against racism.
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) June 22, 2020
"Over the last several weeks, I have been overwhelmed by the support from people across the NASCAR industry including other drivers and team members in the garage.
"Together, our sport has made a commitment to driving real change and championing a community that is accepting and welcoming of everyone.
"Nothing is more important and we will not be deterred by the reprehensible actions of those who seek to spread hate. As my mother told me today, "They are just trying to scare you."
"This will not break me, I will not give in nor will I back down. I will continue to proudly stand for what I believe in."
NASCAR has launched its own investigation, saying, "We are angry and outraged, and cannot state strongly enough how seriously we take this heinous act."
Self-proclaimed former NASCAR fans conducted a drive-by of Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, with vehicles festooned with the white supremacist-associated Confederate flag.
"There is no place for this disgusting display of hatred in our state," Gov. Ivey said.
"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."
