During the COVID-19 pandemic many sports have came to a halt but fans are still able to enjoy racing but virtually. Whether you’re a sports fan or not you have probably heard about NASCAR Cup Series driver, Kyle Larson. On Sunday night, Larson participated in an iRacing event that was streamed on Twitch by other racers. During the online event when trying to get his spotter’s attention over the mic he was heard saying “You can’t hear me? Hey [racial slur].” He thought he was in his private chat but instead was in the driver’s chat.
Soon after these words were said race fans and others alike took to social media to express their concerns and frustrations. Many waited on Sunday night for some sort of apology or statement from Larson but his social media accounts showed no updates. Around noon on Monday, Kyle Larson posted a video to his Instagram account where he apologized saying “I’m sorry. I said the word that should never, ever be said”. He then went on to say “I feel very sorry for my family, my friends, my partners, the NASCAR community, and especially the African American community”.
Facing the Consequences
Chip Ganassi Racing first announced that they are suspending Kyle Larson without pay but soon after announced they have made the decision to end their relationship with Larson. NASCAR released this statement prior to CGR’s most recent announcement:
“NASCAR has made diversity and inclusion a priority and will not tolerate the type of language used by Kyle Larson during Sunday’s iRacing event. Our Member Conduct Guidelines are clear in this regard, and we will enforce these guidelines to maintain an inclusive environment for our entire industry and fan base.”
@NASCAR on Twitter
Sponsors who have announced they’re terminating their sponsorship with Kyle Larson includes Clover, McDonald’s, and Credit One Bank.
Kyle Larson also has strong ties to dirt track racing and is the owner of Kyle Larson Racing. A few sponsors for this World of Outlaws team made an announcement that they will continue to support them. In a statement released by the World of Outlaws they called Larson “an important and visible stakeholder”. They went on to say after Larson’s completion of a sensitivity training course he will remain eligible to compete in all World of Outlaws sanctioned events.
Wingman Sports does not support or condone Larson’s actions. We are all about wings, sports, family and friends. We will not allow one person’s actions to put a bad image on the sport we love.
Our own Brian Sykes made a tweet recently saying “NASCAR fans are family and as a leader of our family he [Larson] needs to represent us all better. Sorry to everyone this hurt. Disappointed.” – Brian Sykes – Wingman Captain.
Let’s Just Enjoy Racing
Although all of this probably does give NASCAR a bad look there is good news. Many fans including myself still have the same love and respect for racing.
Stop attacking a driver who already knows he did wrong and will face major consequences. Instead, let this be a lesson.
Stop the stereotyping and hating. Let’s continue to respect each other and enjoy racing and wings!
What are your thoughts? Feel free to share them with me. Follow me at FueledUp / Wingman Sports!
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1 Comment
Sorry, but you’re a terrible writer. And it’s sad you consider yourself a sports analyst. Your passion is great, but you aren’t meant to be in journalism. Your articles are high school quality.