Wallace, Nascar’s only black full-time driver, was emotional after spending time in the top five before running short on fuel and finishing 14th on Monday, slapping hands with a group of mostly African American fans.

“I’m proud to stand where I’m at ... This sport is changing,” Wallace said. “The deal that happened [on Saturday] I wanted to show whoever it was, you are not going to take away my smile. I am going to keep on going.”