After using the n-word during a virtual race in April 2020, Chip Ganassi Racing dismissed KYLE Larson.
Following the racer’s use of the racial slur, the bulk of his sponsors dropped him.
Kyle Larson, who is he?
At the age of seven, the 27-year-old Sacramento native began racing karts.
As a teenager, he pursued his enthusiasm by moving on to more powerful cars.
He joined in NASCAR in 2014 and has already won six races.
Larson finished sixth in the 2019 season, his best season finish to date.
The racer, who is half Japanese, has commented on NASCAR’s diversity.
He told Discover Nikkei in 2016: “I don’t think there’s any prejudice or scrutiny toward other drivers in NASCAR because of their ethnicity.”
What did he say that got him fired?
Larson appeared to lose contact with his teammates while competing in a virtual race on livestream on Sunday, April 12th, 2020.
As a result, he asked, “You can’t hear me?”
“Hey (n-word)”
The slur was aimed at his white spotter.
His white spotter was the target of the slur.
Several people attacked Larson on social media in response to his remarks.
“Kyle, you’re talking to everyone, bud,” one of the race’s participants said, while another added, “Yikes.”
McDonald’s, Credit One Bank, and Clover have all pulled their sponsorships from him.
His race team first announced his suspension, then confirmed his firing on Tuesday, April 14 2020.
In a statement, Chip Ganassi Racing said: “After much consideration, Chip Ganassi Racing has determined that it will end its relationship with driver Kyle Larson.
“As we said before, the comments that Kyle made were both offensive and unacceptable especially given the values of our organisation.
“As we continued to evaluate the situation with all the relevant parties it became obvious that this was the only appropriate course of action to take.”
In a video posted on his social media platforms, Larson apologised for the slur saying: “Last night I made a mistake and said the word that should never, ever be said.
“There’s no excuse for that.”
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