Bubba Wallace’s tears were worth a thousand words following the Daytona 500.
After all, Wallace had finished in second place in his first ever Daytona 500; but the significance of the moment doesn’t stop there.
Wallace’s runner-up finish was the highest ever by a freshman full-timer.
Oh yeah, and he’s black. Wallace is the first full-time African American driver in the Cup series since Wendell Scott back in 1971 – before he was even born.
Wallace is well aware of the pressure that comes with breaking barriers. He received a touching call from baseball great Hank Aaron before the race.
Wallace went on to describe the last year for his and his family.
Watch Wallace’s press conference below.
The emotions came pouring out after a P2 finish for @BubbaWallace.#DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/QspZyBm0TM
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 19, 2018
If you’re not feeling proud and inspired after “Black Panther” and Bubba, check your pulse.