(Charlotte, NC) – The governing body of NASCAR announced on Wednesday afternoon that the confederate flag would no longer be allowed to be flown at NASCAR events or properties.
“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.”
In a pre-race show of support at Atlanta Motor Speedway last weekend, after the initial caution laps brought the cars down pit road and shut down the engines and observed a thirty second moment of silence to show solidarity with the social injustice going on throughout the country.
NASCAR President Steve Phelps addressed viewers, crews, and staff stating “our sport needs to be better.” Fans are expected to return to the grandstands at Talladega Super Speedway June 21st. Event organizers have a plan in place to allow 5,000 fans back in the stands.