According to Cleveland.com, NASCAR has banned the
Confederate flag and also removed the rule that team members are required to
stand during the national anthem. As a result, driver Ray Ciccarelli announced
that he is quitting after the season. He posted a rant on his Facebook page,
saying that he doesn't believe in kneeling during the anthem nor stopping people
from flying any flag they choose. He added that he will not support what he refers
to as "political BS."
Afterwards, he deleted not only the post, but his entire
Facebook page.
Bubba Wallace, the only black driver in NASCAR's top-tier
Cup Series, sought to have the Confederate flag banned at races. Wallace's car
was adorned
with "#blacklivesmatter" on the sides to show support.
"No one should feel uncomfortable when they come to a NASCAR
race. So, it starts with Confederate flags," Wallace said. "Get them out
of here. They have no place for them."
NASCAR agreed, saying in a 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."
