NASCAR Driver Kyle Larson Fired After Using N-Word During iRacing Livestream

From Road & Track

During this weekend's "Monza Madness" iRacing event that featured drivers from various motorsports, NASCAR driver Kyle Larson used a racial slur, which has now led to Larson's suspension NASCAR, the termination of multiple sponsorship deals, and his ultimate firing by Chip Ganassi Racing.

"You can't hear me?" Larson asked on the stream, appearing to be talking on his team radio. "Hey, n*****."

There are a few stunned reactions, followed by driver Anthony Alfredo saying, "Hey Kyle, you're talking to everyone bud." Based on this, it appears that Larson was unaware that his comments were being broadcast to the entire stream, rather than just his own team radio. The video can be seen here, with the slur censored out.

As Business Insider pointed out, NASCAR's rules say that a public action "criticizes, ridicules, or otherwise disparages another person based upon that person's race, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, or handicapping condition" is grounds for fines, suspension, or termination.

Larson drives for Chip Ganassi Racing. The team announced Monday that it was suspending him without pay, but on Tuesday fired him completely.

"After much consideration, Chip Ganassi Racing has determined that it will end its relationship with driver Kyle Larson," CGR said in a statement. "As we said before, the comments that Kyle made were both offensive and unacceptable especially given the values of our organization. As we continued to evaluate the situation with all the relevant parties, it became obvious that this was the only appropriate course of action to take.“

The race series has also suspended Larson. The NASCAR suspension is indefinite and bars Larson from any NASCAR-sanctioned competition. Before he comes back, he will have to complete sensitivity training.

“NASCAR has made diversity and inclusion a priority and will not tolerate the type of language used by Kyle Larson during Sunday’s iRacing event,” NASCAR said in a statement. “Our Member Conduct Guidelines are clear in this regard, and we will enforce these guidelines to maintain an inclusive environment for our entire industry and fan base.”

iRacing announced in a statement Monday that it has also suspended Larson from its service. The driver's sponsor, Credit One Bank, tweeted a statement saying that it stands behind NASCAR and CGR's decision to suspend. The bank later announced that it is terminating its sponsorship of Larson. McDonalds also announced the termination of its relationship with the driver. Chevy, too, announced in a statement to RACER that it was suspending its relationship with Larson and that the company is and prepared to take additional actions. His normal race car is a Camaro ZL1.

On Monday afternoon, Larson released an apology video. In it, he said that he "made a mistake and said the word that should never, ever be said. And there's no excuse for that. I wasn't raised that way and it's just an awful thing to say." Larson, who is half Japanese, came up to the top tier of the sport through NASCAR's "Drive for Diversity" program.

He's not the first driver to face backlash after using a racial slur. Jeremy Clements was suspended in 2013 for allegedly using the n-word. Drivers have also lost sponsorships in the past due to controversies involving the n-word. In 2018, Conor Daly lost his Lilly Diabetes sponsorship after reports surfaced that his father—racer Derek Daly—used the slur in the Eighties.

Update 11:18 a.m. EDT, 4/13: This story has been updated with Chip Ganassi Racing's statement announcing Larson's suspension.

Update 11:39 a.m. EDT, 4/13: This story has been updated following Larson's indefinite suspension from NASCAR.

Update 12:40 p.m. EDT, 4/13: This story has been updated with Larson's apology.

Update 1:18 p.m. EDT, 4/13: This story has been updated with statements from iRacing and Credit One Bank.

Update 4:00 p.m. EDT, 4/13: This story has been updated with Chevy's decision to suspend its relationship with Larson.

Update 5:15 p.m. EDT, 4/13: This story has been updated with additional comment from Credit One Bank announcing that the firm was terminating its sponsorship of Larson.

Update 11:10 a.m. EDT, 4/14: This story has been updated with CGR's decision to fire Larson and McDonald's decision to terminate its relationship with the driver.

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