Front Row Motorsports put its gift from Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr., Wallace front bumper from the car he raced in the NASCAR Open at Bristol Motor Speedway on July 15, on Ebay to raise money for Motor Racing Outreach. The auction, scheduled to close Monday afternoon, has reached $15,500.
“We want to thank Bob Jenkins, Front Row Motorsports and Michael for thinking of us during this time,” MRO President and CEO Billy Mauldin said. “Like everyone, we are fighting our own challenges of not being at the track. Donations are important to us right now and will help all drivers, crews and their families.”
Wallace wrecked in the Open as a result of contact from FRM driver Michael McDowell as both raced with hopes to advance to the NASCAR All-Star Race, held later the same evening, also at Bristol. Wallace was unable to continue after the incident, and McDowell failed to advance to the main event.
“Everyone has an opinion of what happened,” McDowell said. “I have my side of things, Bubba has his and all of the fans have theirs, too. It’s one of the reasons NASCAR wanted to go to Bristol for the All-Star race. We created the excitement and now fans can make a difference and own a piece of history.”
After wrecking out of the race, Wallace placed the front bumper off his #43 Richard Petty Motorsports Chevrolet at McDowell’s team’s hauler. He also made a controversial statement about McDowell and his Christianity.
“Just disrespect. When you get hooked into the wall, I don’t even need to see a replay,” Wallace said. “People say he’s one of the nicest guys in the garage. I can’t wait for the God-fearing text that he is going to send me about preaching and praise and respect. What a joke he is.”
Wallace, though, was positive in his response to the auction.
“When life gives you lemons, auction them off and raise money for @FollowMRO,” Wallace (@BubbaWallace) tweeted. “May not agree to what happened on track, but we can agree on a positive outcome from the situation.”
MRO provides at-track spiritual services to families of NASCAR competitors and activities for children of competitors while at the track on race weekends.
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