Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thoughtful docuseries about NASCAR, racism, activism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Race: Bubba Wallace
What's the Story?
RACE: BUBBA WALLACE is a docuseries that follows NASCAR driver Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr. during the 2021 racing season as he competes and reluctantly uses his voice to help end racial injustice. Wallace is working hard to be at the top of his game as a driver for Team 23XI, which is co-owned by driver Denny Hamlin and NBA champion Michael Jordan. But the legacy of racism in NASCAR is hard to ignore, and this, along with the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery and the violent deaths of other Black men at the hands of police, has motivated him to call attention to racism and to push for change. With the help of racing footage, archive media, and interviews with journalists, entertainers, NASCAR representatives, teammates, and friends and family, Wallace shares what his NASCAR journey has been like thus far, and how he is negotiating his love for racing, the pressure to win, and the racial tensions both in and outside the sport.
Is It Any Good?
This thoughtful docuseries offers an honest conversation about Bubba Wallace's experience as a NASCAR driver and an activist in a sport that is difficult, dangerous, and historically unwelcoming to Black people. It highlights the work he puts in to win auto races and be at the top of his sport, but does so while weaving in a story that reveals the different ways race and racial tensions have impacted his professional journey. The calm but reflective way that Wallace talks about these experiences, and about some of his more personal struggles, also gives viewers a sense of the toll some of these events have taken on him.
Overall, Race: Bubba Wallace contains lots of uncomfortable but important discussions, but it successfully contextualizes them within a personal story about working hard and rising up against adversity, whether it be on a race track or in everyday life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the history of NASCAR. Where does its legacy of racism come from? Is this characterization fair, or is it based on stereotypes? What has NASCAR done to improve this image?
Race: Bubba Wallace discusses how difficult, and how courageous, it can be to talk about racism, and to take the initiative to stand up against racism. Why is it important to continue talking about this?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 22, 2022
- Cast : Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr.
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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