NASCAR bans Confederate flag at all events, properties

NASCAR on Wednesday announced it was banning the display of the Confederate flag at all events and at all affiliated properties.

The Confederate flag was once a staple in the grandstand and infield at stock car racing events around the South, but has long been viewed as a symbol of slavery, hatred and oppression by many. It has come under fire even more so recently in the wake of protests following the death of George Floyd, as various progressive organizations have lobbied to remove confederate memorial statues from public spaces and change the names of building named for confederate veterans and segregationists.

Bubba Wallace, who was born in Mobile and is 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. On Wednesday, stock car racing’s governing body obliged.

Here’s NASCAR’s statement:

“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.”

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Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

By Creg Stephenson

Posted by al.com