By Seth Eggert, Staff Writer
NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace has partnered with Columbia Sportswear to be their newest brand ambassador.
New Partner
The agreement will also have Columbia as a primary sponsor of the Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE in the Drydene 311 at Dover International Speedway on August 23.
The partnership between Columbia Sportswear, Wallace, and Petty is the first in NASCAR for the company. The leading innovator in outdoor lifestyle apparel will use its’ new partnership in NASCAR to promote their Performance Fishing Gear (PFG).
“There has always been a strong correlation between NASCAR and Columbia, especially with PFG,” explained Joe Boyle, Columbia Brand President. “We are excited by the opportunity to work with Bubba and Richard Petty Motorsports to engage our shared fans.”
Standing Out
Since NASCAR’s return to racing following the COVID-19 shutdown, Wallace strived to make the sport more inclusive. Through his message of “compassion, love, understanding,” he successfully lobbied NASCAR for the removal and banning of the Confederate flag from all future race events.
“In addition to his racing talent, Bubba is a charismatic and courageous leader,” continued Boyle. “It is his internal fortitude that most aligns with the Columbia brand and our Tested Tough ethos. Bubba is a Tested Tough trailblazer and we are thrilled to be working with him.”
Recent Dover Stats
The Drydene 311 on August 22 will mark Wallace’s 100th Cup Series start. In 98 career starts in NASCAR’s Premier Series, the Mobile, AL native has two top-five and eight top-10 finishes. Columbia Sportswear will adorn Wallace’s Chevrolet in his 101st Cup Series race.
At Dover Wallace has 12 starts across NASCAR’s three National Series. He has three pole positions, one in the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series and two in the Xfinity Series.
Wallace’s best finish at Dover, second, came in the Xfinity Series in 2016. He has three top-10 finishes at the ‘Monster Mile.’ In the Cup Series his best finish at the 1.0-mile concrete track is 20th.
Away From the Track
Away from the track, Wallace has been known for his photography. He is an avid outdoorsman, boating, golfing, and hiking in his free time.
“Columbia Sportswear is a perfect fit for my lifestyle away from the track,” said Wallace. “I love spending time outdoors-boating, golfing, hiking, photography-just anything to help me decompress from a hectic racing schedule. I’m beyond excited to be a part of the Columbia family and can’t wait to work with them on some unique content and fly their colors next weekend at Dover.”
Points
Entering the historic first Cup race at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course, the Go Bowling 235, Wallace is 20th in the points standings. The 26-year-old is 137-points behind the cutoff, held by fellow Chevy Racing driver William Byron. Wallace is also 516-points behind leader Kevin Harvick.
Isn’t it ironic a black man taking money from a company that uses Chinese slave labor to make their product. But then money is green, so he can be comfortable.
Just one more company trying to get WOKE. Can’t see this helping Columbia in any way. Just throwing money away to make someone feel good at Columbia. Big bucks for a driver in the bottom 1/2 of the sport. And I know that the black community will run right out and buy some of the most expensive sportswear on the market. Perhaps BLM will start looting stores that sell Columbia sportswear.