NASCAR Torched by Fans and Driver After Banning Confederate Flag at Events

As the corporate world around us struggles to react to the anti-racism revolution that America is experiencing, there have been no shortage of different approaches being taken.

For some, a boilerplate wall of text on a black background and posted to social media was all that they could muster.  Others made hefty, (and we mean hefty), donations to charities aligned with the cause.

And then there’s NASCAR, who took things a step further this week, targeting a controversial symbol that some believed represents a long history of American prejudice.

NASCAR banned the Confederate flag from its races and properties on Wednesday, formally distancing itself from what for many is a symbol of slavery and racism that had been a familiar sight at stock car events for more than 70 years.

Bubba Wallace, NASCAR’s lone black driver, called this week for the banishment of the Confederate flag and said there was “no place” for them in the sport. At long last, NASCAR obliged.

“The presence of the confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry,” NASCAR said. “Bringing people together around a love for racing and the community that it creates is what makes our fans and sport special. The display of the confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties.”

Some fans were not pleased.

Speaking of Karen, they are already Karening over NASCAR pic.twitter.com/E6gyfnBYHq

— PATRIOTS RISING (@Bill19300155) June 11, 2020

@NASCAR is dead. RIP https://t.co/HdKbzE16GR

— Silent No More???????? (@stand_silent) June 11, 2020

Good job NASCAR, you just ticked off well over half of your fan base

— LJ Roberts (@the_loose_rock) June 11, 2020

nascar banning the confederate flag! That’s bad enough but black lives matter on the cars ? They say the flag ban is because it makes some uncomfortable ok but it makes some people uncomfortable for blm to be everywhere? Change one symbol of hate for another

— lisa (@lisaQ4USA) June 11, 2020

The move even prompted one of the sports Truck Series drivers to announce an early retirement from the sport.

DRIVER TO LEAVE NASCAR: Driver Ray Ciccarelli announced he is leaving the sport, saying he does not believe in kneeling during the National Anthem nor does he believe in taking away the right for people to fly whatever flag they choose. https://t.co/uTYfhUSb3v

— FOX 35 Orlando (@fox35orlando) June 11, 2020