Lesa France Kennedy, Executive Vice Chair of NASCAR criticized 13 words to Bubba Wallace after Wallace mocking women for being just a beauty to look not to racing
In a surprising turn of events, NASCAR found itself at the center of controversy when Bubba Wallace allegedly mocked women in motorsports, suggesting they were “just a beauty to look at, not to race.” His comments quickly sparked outrage across the racing community.
Lesa France Kennedy, the Executive Vice Chair of NASCAR, responded firmly to Wallace’s remarks. Known for her strong advocacy of equality and inclusion, Kennedy expressed her disappointment in just thirteen powerful words that immediately went viral on social media platforms.
“Women belong on the track, not just in the stands or posters,” Kennedy declared. Her statement became a rallying cry for female drivers, engineers, and fans who felt disrespected by Wallace’s perceived sexist comments, which many labeled as outdated and harmful.
The controversy began after Wallace’s post-race interview, where he appeared frustrated following a poor finish. When asked about female participation in NASCAR, Wallace reportedly laughed and remarked that “racing is for racers, not for pretty faces seeking attention.”
Fans and media outlets quickly shared the clip, prompting widespread backlash. Many saw it as an attack not only on women drivers but also on the growing movement for gender diversity that NASCAR has been working hard to promote over the last decade.
Lesa France Kennedy’s response came within hours of the interview. The thirteen-word statement was posted on NASCAR’s official channels and reshared thousands of times. Kennedy’s calm yet assertive tone contrasted sharply with Wallace’s dismissive attitude.
Social media erupted with mixed reactions. While some defended Wallace, claiming his words were taken out of context, others demanded immediate disciplinary action. Hashtags like #RespectWomenInRacing and #NASCAREquality began trending across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Kennedy’s stance reflected NASCAR’s ongoing effort to transform its image into a more inclusive and progressive organization. Over recent years, NASCAR has invested heavily in diversity programs, supporting female drivers such as Hailie Deegan, Toni Breidinger, and others breaking barriers.
In an internal NASCAR memo obtained by reporters, Kennedy emphasized that the sport’s success depends on “respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of gender.” The memo made it clear that discriminatory remarks would not be tolerated from any driver.
Bubba Wallace, who has often been vocal about social issues, found himself in an ironic situation. Known for his advocacy of racial equality in NASCAR, many fans felt disappointed to see him allegedly making remarks that undermined another marginalized group.
In a follow-up statement, Wallace attempted to clarify his words. He claimed the comment was meant as a joke and was taken out of context. However, the damage was already done, and public sentiment had largely turned against him by then.
NASCAR officials met privately with Wallace and his team, according to insider sources. While no formal penalty was announced immediately, discussions reportedly centered around the importance of public image, accountability, and the potential impact of words spoken by high-profile athletes.
Kennedy’s leadership during the crisis was widely praised. Media outlets like ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports highlighted how her concise and thoughtful statement helped steer the conversation back toward NASCAR’s values and long-term commitment to diversity.
Prominent female drivers spoke out in support of Kennedy. Hailie Deegan tweeted, “We’re not just here to look good; we’re here to compete and win.” Toni Breidinger echoed the sentiment, thanking Kennedy for standing up “for every woman chasing speed and passion.”
The controversy reignited broader conversations about the challenges women face in motorsports. Despite notable progress, female representation in NASCAR remains below 10%, with few women securing major sponsorships or top-tier team opportunities compared to male counterparts.
Marketing analysts noted that incidents like this can damage NASCAR’s reputation. Brands increasingly prioritize partnerships with inclusive organizations, and any hint of sexism can result in lost sponsorships, declining viewership, and long-term harm to the sport’s credibility.
Kennedy’s words resonated beyond NASCAR’s borders. Organizations like Formula 1’s Women in Motorsport and IndyCar’s diversity committees praised her swift reaction. Her message became symbolic of leadership that doesn’t shy away from confronting internal controversies.
In an editorial published by The Racing Journal, columnist Amanda Cook wrote: “Lesa France Kennedy didn’t just defend women; she defended the future of NASCAR itself.” Her article emphasized how representation and respect are vital for attracting new generations of fans.
Meanwhile, Wallace’s sponsors were reportedly monitoring the situation closely. Although no contract terminations occurred, several brands released statements reaffirming their commitment to gender equality and distancing themselves from Wallace’s controversial remarks.
Public relations experts argued that Wallace’s apology lacked sincerity. Many felt he missed an opportunity to genuinely acknowledge the hurt caused. Instead of a heartfelt apology, his response seemed more like an attempt to protect his image than make amends.
NASCAR’s communications team worked swiftly to control the narrative. They released a follow-up video featuring both male and female drivers sharing messages about teamwork, respect, and equality. The campaign’s tagline, “Every racer counts,” gained widespread praise.
In the days following the controversy, Wallace avoided interviews. His team declined to comment further, suggesting that they were “focusing on racing.” However, the silence only fueled more speculation about NASCAR’s next move and potential disciplinary action.
Lesa France Kennedy continued to emphasize unity and professionalism. At a press conference before the next race, she reiterated that “NASCAR’s strength lies in diversity and respect.” Her remarks received applause from journalists and fans alike.
Industry insiders believe the incident will serve as a case study for sports organizations worldwide. It demonstrates how leadership, when guided by clear principles, can deescalate tension and reinforce values even amid controversy and public scrutiny.
As the dust begins to settle, the lesson is clear. Words matter — especially in sports where representation and equality remain evolving challenges. Kennedy’s thirteen words may have been brief, but they carried the weight of a movement.
Bubba Wallace now faces the task of rebuilding trust. Whether he can regain respect among fans and peers remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — Lesa France Kennedy’s message will continue echoing across NASCAR’s history books.
