As Darlington Raceway approaches its iconic throwback weekend in 2025, one driver is making waves with a bold and heartfelt tribute to a fellow competitor. Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, has announced that for this year’s throwback weekend, he will honor Bubba Wallace’s historic 2020 Black Lives Matter car. This move is a nod to both the social movements of that pivotal year and Wallace’s ongoing efforts to push for diversity and inclusion in motorsports.
The Significance of the 2020 Black Lives Matter Car
In 2020, Bubba Wallace became the face of NASCAR’s response to racial injustice following the death of George Floyd. With support from his team and fans alike, Wallace took a stand, pushing for greater diversity within the sport and advocating for meaningful social change. During the season, he drove a No. 43 car with the Black Lives Matter movement displayed prominently on its design, sending a powerful message of unity and equality. That car became an iconic symbol, both on and off the racetrack, and Wallace’s role as the sport’s most prominent Black driver made the moment even more poignant.
Bowman’s Tribute to Wallace
For Bowman, this decision represents more than just a throwback to a memorable year. It’s about recognizing Wallace’s contributions to NASCAR’s push for change and acknowledging the bravery it took to stand at the forefront of a movement that resonated far beyond racing.
Bowman, who has long been known for his respect for the history and culture of NASCAR, expressed that the 2025 Darlington throwback is a way to spotlight Wallace’s efforts in fostering a more inclusive environment within the sport. “Bubba has done so much not just for NASCAR, but for motorsports in general, by standing up for equality. This throwback is my way of showing support and honoring his courage and leadership,” Bowman said in a press release.
The Design and Nostalgia Factor
The car will feature the distinct black, white, and red livery of Wallace’s 2020 No. 43 Chevrolet, complete with the Black Lives Matter logo. The design pays homage to one of the most influential cars in modern NASCAR history, capturing a moment when the sport and the world were at a crossroads. Bowman’s car will be a visual reminder of NASCAR’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and social justice, and will undoubtedly evoke strong emotions from fans who witnessed the sport’s evolution during that era.
Darlington’s throwback weekend, known for its celebration of NASCAR’s rich history, is the perfect stage for this tribute. Each year, drivers and teams participate in the tradition of honoring the past by racing in historic or nostalgic liveries. For 2025, Bowman’s decision to honor Wallace’s Black Lives Matter car further emphasizes that this weekend is not just about nostalgia, but about recognizing moments of cultural significance in the sport’s evolution.
A Powerful Message of Unity
The throwback is not just a reflection of the past but a forward-thinking gesture as well. In a sport that has seen its share of challenges when it comes to inclusivity, moments like these help demonstrate the power of unity and collective progress. As Bowman prepares for Darlington, both the racing community and fans alike will be watching closely. His decision to throwback to Wallace’s car isn’t just a look back at a historic moment, but also an opportunity to take stock of how far the sport has come — and how much further it still has to go in ensuring equality and opportunity for all.
In a sport where the past is constantly honored and celebrated, Bowman’s tribute ensures that 2020, with its tumultuous events, its triumphs, and its challenges, will never be forgotten. The legacy of Bubba Wallace’s Black Lives Matter car will live on in a way that transcends racing, serving as a symbol of hope and progress for the future of motorsports.
As Darlington approaches, it’s clear that the 2025 throwback weekend will be more than just a nostalgic look at NASCAR’s history. It will be a celebration of the sport’s evolving role in society, and Alex Bowman’s tribute is a powerful reminder of the importance of both remembering the past and shaping the future.
