NASCAR today announced plans for a community block party hosted by 23XI Racing driver and Alabama native Bubba Wallace at Railroad Park in downtown Birmingham this Friday, September 30.
The event will precede two days of NASCAR Playoffs racing action at Talladega Superspeedway, culminating Sunday, Oct. 2, with the NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500, which Wallace is the defending champion.
Bubba‘s Block Party is a community-focused NASCAR initiative that aims to drive awareness, access and engagement to the sport among the Black community while generating excitement around the race weekend. The family-friendly event will take place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
“We’re excited to bring Bubba’s Block Party, a community event, to the heart of Birmingham” said Brandon Thompson, NASCAR Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion. “Events like this allow us to bridge the rich history and culture of Birmingham to a NASCAR staple like Talladega.”
Editor‘s Note: For photos of Bubba Wallace from his victory in the 2021 YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, click here. For logos of Talladega Superspeedway, race entitlements and NASCAR Playoffs, click here.
The free event will host guests for hours of live music, games and activities, as well as an assortment of food offerings. Wallace, from Mobile, who made history in last year‘s YellaWood 500 when he became the first Black driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race since 1963, will engage the audience as part of a fireside chat which will focus on his career journey and NASCAR‘s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion across the sport.
“Our sport has made real gains in expanding and diversifying our fan base,” said Bubba Wallace. “It‘s my hope that Bubba‘s Block Party will resonate with the Birmingham community and allow people to see all that NASCAR has to offer. I want everyone to feel welcomed, to experience the thrill of the sport and have a good time.”
Throughout the afternoon, attendees can enjoy performances by rapper Big K.R.I.T., Mannie Fresh and WBHJ‘s own DJ Gorgeous, racing simulators, t-shirt printing and a Kids Zone. NASCAR will join forces with Black Restaurant Week and DoorDash for a food truck village at the event serving up local bites from Black-owned businesses to drive awareness, support and economic impact. Featured businesses include Simone‘s Kitchen ATL, Fat Charles BBQ, Deb‘s Italian Ices, Aww Shucks and Underground Vegan.
Bubba‘s Block Party is open to the public and is a family friendly event suited for children ages 4 and up. For more information and to RSVP visit bubbasblockparty.com
Sunday‘s YellaWood 500, the second race in the premier series Playoff‘s Round of 12, gets underway at 1:00 p.m. CDT. Saturday‘s slate at the 2.66-mile trioval includes a Playoffs doubleheader for with the Chevy Silverado for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at 11:30 a.m. CDT, followed by the Sparks 300 for the NASCAR Xfinity Series at 3:00 p.m. CDT.
For all ticket information for NASCAR Playoffs weekend, fans are encouraged to call 1-877-Go2-DEGA or visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. Fans are encouraged to keep up with all the happenings at the biggest, baddest race track on the planet by following Talladega Superspeedway on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as the all-new NASCAR Tracks App. for the latest speedway news.
— Talladega Superspeedway —
