A NASCAR driver has gone viral after announcing his plans to quit racing after the end of the 2020 season following the company’s decision to ban the display of Confederate flags during their events.
Ray Ciccarelli is a 50-year-old part-time racer who objected the Confederate flag ban in a controversial Facebook post that has been removed following a wave of heated responses.
In his post, Ciccarelli suggested he doesn’t “believe in kneeling during Anthem” and voiced his disappointment over “the direction NASCAR is headed.”
“Well it’s been a fun ride and dream come true but if this is the direction Nascar is headed we will not participate after 2020 season is over,” he wrote.
“I don’t believe in kneeling during Anthem nor taken ppl right to fly what ever flag they love.point 343 |
I could care less about the Confederate Flag but there are ppl that do and it doesn’t make them a racist all you are doing is f****** one group to cater to another and I ain’t spend the money we are to participate in any political BS!! So everything is for SALE!!”point 223 | 1
After the post went viral, some people have accused Ciccarelli of racism and bigotry whereas others went on to mock his lack of wins in his racing career at NASCAR.
Speaking of the decision to ban Confederate flags at their events, NASCAR expressed that their aim is to provide an “inclusive environment for all fans.”
“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,” they said in a recent statement.
“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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Replaced!