NASCAR opened the season with washouts in the first two races of the year that could have set the tone for a miserable 2024 campaign.

Moments after NASCAR’s daring adventure was over — a soggy day in downtown Chicago rescued by a compelling Cup Series race — they were all thinking big.

NASCAR drivers, pit crew members and others walked alongside Bubba Wallace and escorted his Number 43 car in a show of support at the Talladega Superspeedway on Monday a day after a noose was found in his garage. Wallace, wearing an American flag face mask, was emotional while hugging drivers and supporters, including NASCAR legend Richard Petty. Multiple NASCAR drivers and crew members joined Bubba Wallace, pushing his No. NASCAR said it is investigating the noose, and federal investigators said they will review the incident as well. NASCAR told CNN the garage area where the noose was found is restricted to essential personnel, which includes race teams, NASCAR officials, security and health and safety personnel.