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Nascar driver Kyle Larson fired for use of racial slur during virtual race

Chip Ganassi Racing have confirmed they've fired driver Kyle Larson for using a racial slur durin...



Nascar driver Kyle Larson fire...
Other Sports

Nascar driver Kyle Larson fired for use of racial slur during virtual race

Chip Ganassi Racing have confirmed they've fired driver Kyle Larson for using a racial slur during a virtual race. 

Larson was initially suspended indefinitely by NASCAR for the incident, while Chip Ganassi Racing suspended him without pay.

Ganassi Racing say firing Larson now is "the only appropriate course of action to take".

During an iRacing event on Sunday night, Larson used the n-word while attempting to test the microphone on his headset.

In a social media post subsequent to his suspensions, Larson said, "I made a mistake and said the word that should never, ever be said.

"There is no excuse for that. I wasn't raised that way. It's just an awful thing to say.

"I feel very sorry for my family, my friends, my partners, the NASCAR community and especially the African American community.

"I understand the damage is probably unrepairable and I own up to that. But I just want to let you all know how sorry I am and I hope everybody is staying safe during these crazy times."

Larson was ordered to complete a sensitivity training course by NASCAR before he will be allowed compete again.

As well as his suspensions, Larson saw sponsorship deals with McDonalds, Credit One Bank and Fiserv all evaporate because of his actions.

Larson is half-Japanese and owes his place in NASCAR to the Drive For Diversity programme.

He was in the final year of his contract with Ganassi Racing.

Chip Ganassi Racing's statement read:

"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 organization [sic]. 

"As we continue to evaluate the situation with all the relevant parties, it became obvious that this was the only appropriate course of action to take."

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Chip Ganassi Racing Kyle Larson Nascar