Race car driver Kyle Larson has been suspended for an indefinite period by NASCAR and his team Chip Ganassi Racing due to racial language use during a virtual race.
27-year-old Larson took part in the virtual race Monza Madness on Sunday and streamed his performances live on video site Twitch.
At some point he lost the connection and used the word nigger to his spotter (teammate who tells the driver what’s going on around him). Nigger is a racist term that originated in the American slavery past.
His language could be heard by everyone and caused a storm of criticism. Several drivers immediately spoke to Larson about his behavior, on which his team Chip Ganassi Racing decided on Monday to immediately suspend the American driver.
“We are extremely disappointed by what Kyle said recently during a virtual race,” said a statement by Chip Ganassi Racing. “The words he has used are insulting and unacceptable. He will be suspended and will not receive any money during that time. We will discuss this matter with all concerned.”
Large sponsors withdraw
Not long after, NASCAR also decided to suspend it. In addition, its major sponsors McDonald’s and Credit One Bank canceled contracts with Larson and Chevrolet has suspended the partnership indefinitely.
The now guilty Larson goes deep into the dust. “I used a word that should never be uttered. I realize that the damage I caused may be irreparable, but I just want to say sorry.”
Larson is currently in seventh place in the NASCAR rankings. The season in the largest U.S. motorsport class began in mid-February, but is currently halted due to the corona crisis.
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