An FBI investigation has found the 'noose' discovered in the garage of African-American NASCAR race driver Bubba Wallace was not a racially motivated hate crime.
It was a piece of rope used to open the garage door.
"The FBI has completed its investigation at Talladega Speedway and determined that Bubba Wallace was not the target of a hate crime," says a NASCAR statement.
"The FBI report concludes - and photographic evidence confirms - that the garage door pull rope fashioned like a noose had been positioned there since as early as last fall.
"This was obviously well before the [number] 43 team's arrival and garage assignment. We appreciate the FBI's quick and thorough investigation, and are thankful to learn that this was not an intentional, racist act against Bubba.
"We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all who love racing."
The investigation findings are sure to spark outrage from the NASCAR's largely southern fanbase, many of whom have spoken out on social media against the organisation's embracing of the 'Black Lives Matter' movement.
Earlier this month, the US motor-racing promotion banned Confederate flags from its events, after African-American George Floyd died in police custody in Minneapolis, sparking BLM protests around the world.
While southern states regard the flag as a tribute to soldiers who died in the American Civil War, others see it as a symbol of racial oppression.
Confederate flags were still visible outside the Talladega racetrack this week, after a piece of rope was found in Wallace's garage and reported as a noose, also regarded as a representation of black oppression and slavery.
NASCAR called on the FBI to investigate and, on Tuesday (NZ time), rival race teams showed their support for Wallace by pushing his No.43 car to the front of the start grid for the pre-race national anthem.
Wallace is the only fulltime black driver in the series and has become a beckon for the Black Lives Matter movement in the racing community.
"I told you it was another hoax," tweets one fan. "The hysteria needs to stop."
Said another: "You owe your fans an apology."
And another: "NASCAR congratulations on achieving your lowest point since inception."
Many compare the case to that of former actor Jussie Smollet (Mighty Ducks, Alien: Covenant), who reported to police last year that he was a victim of hate crimes, but those claims were eventually found to be false.
"Comparing Bubba Wallace to Jussie Smollett is blatantly disingenuous," tweets one supporter. "Bubba didn't report the noose, he never even saw it and most importantly, he never directly accused anyone of anything."
