MUMBAI: This is a tectonic shift if there ever was one. NASCAR, the very epitome of “white” sport in America, has “joined the mainstream” in taking a stand against racism in the wake of the global outrage over the killing of George Floyd by the Minneapolis police.
NASCAR on Wednesday banned the Confederate flag from its races and properties, formally distancing itself from what for many is a symbol of slavery and racism that had been a familiar sight at the stock car racing series events for more than 70 years.
“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. 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,” the official statement reads.
AP reports that the issue was pushed to the forefront this week as Bubba Wallace, Nascar’s lone black driver, called for the Confederate flag to be banished as it had “no place” in the sport.
