The issue NASCAR continually tries to battle is that the sport of racing is geared toward Southern white men and not inclusive of people of color. So when a racial incident pops up, NASCAR is quick to take action and hopes the media doesn't get wind of it.The latest case involves the crew chief of Nationwide Series driver Brendan Gaughan, team driver Bryan Berry and black NASCAR driver Marc Davis. According to the Associated Press, Berry and Gaughan were both angry after a pit road accident at the Nashville Speedway. As the two men were heading down the pit road, Davis turned left into the garage in front of Gaughan, who ran into Davis' car.
When the two got out of the car, witnesses say they heard racial slurs when they were approaching Davis' car. The witnesses reported the incident to NASCAR officials, and the investigation found that both Berry and Gaughan were guilty. They have both been suspended indefinitely.
Davis, who is 19, had no comment on the incident, but his father, Harry, released a statement.
"NASCAR has clear and precise policies covering all racing conduct and procedures," he said in a statement. "Mr. Gaughan and his crew's actions do not merit response. NASCAR has resolved the issue."
Rusty Wallace Inc., which owns Gaughan's team, also released a statement regarding the incident:
"RWR requires all of our team members to adhere to the highest levels of personal conduct at all times while representing our organization and its partners," the team said. "We will accept absolutely nothing less."
This certainly doesn't help NASCAR with the Confederate flag issue.
Comments: (156)
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By: Igby on 6/13/2009 11:42PM
Tim:
"Blacky" started trouble? Whichever NASCAR man started the conflict, it is never justifiable to use racial slurs in an argument. Stop using this issue to rationalize your own hate.
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By: Lacey on 6/13/2009 11:56PM
Tom, you need to button up your collar because the redness is blinding us. Read Igby's comment about the flag and maybe you'll think twice.
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By: Mason on 6/13/2009 8:15PM
I've been watching Nascar since the first showing on TV and never once gave a notice to the Color of the Driver's, I have alway's been a fan of the Uncer's,Petty's,Earnhart's, and many more but even to hear the Driver's of today toss Color Tones into the mix is wrong, I understand where Nascar is coming from and where they Plan to go and hope to be right there with them for the Trip but Race Need Not Apply . . . They are ALL MEN and Great Driver's no Matter where they are from or the Color of their skin . . . Go #88
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By: Linda Humphrey on 6/14/2009 1:11AM
I totally agree with you, Mason. I can't believe that someone would say anything about skin color. How ridiciolus!!
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By: hammerlane on 6/14/2009 1:15AM
Amen Brother! Im a southern boy! Born and raised In beautiful NC! I grew up with Nascar because of my dad and older brothers. We are Native and African American family and love the sport to death!! Times are getting crucial for the sport due to the auto industry, and I hope it continues to grow and advance over the many more years to come!
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By: love14racefan on 6/21/2009 1:55PM
Looove my Smoke! Dragging race into racing is a bunch of bs! Sorry to be nit picky Mason, but aren't they all MEN and WOMEN??? Remember Erin Crocker?? She did better than most of us could've done. And of course they're all great driver's, although My Tony is setting records and put that #14 back into nascar victory lane since what '68??
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By: Terri J. on 6/14/2009 5:13AM
I agree! I believe in freedom of speech, but these drivers are not on their own. They are all representatives of Nascar, and are held to a certain standard of conduct. NASCAR has every right to expect appropriate behavior from all participating parties, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc. Being a black woman, I have been called some pretty nasty things relating to both my race and gender. I don't like hearing those things, but I believe that you have a right to feel the way you feel, and express it up to a point. But when you are under the auspices of a corporation or organization----especially one that has to deal with public relations----you have to play by their rules. Negative publicity hurts their image and bottom line, so of course they have to take action and nip it in the bud. The idea that NASCAR is a racist institution persists because of incidents like these. They took the necessary action, and I would expect nothing less if the offender was black.
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By: Bobby Asbury on 6/13/2009 8:30PM
Yes, they did "hear" him "say" it. It is clear they were in the wrong. I applaud Mr. Davis for taking the high road by not adding to the situation. Is it "freedom of speech" if I call mike an idiot for sounding racist?!
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By: Geoff on 6/13/2009 8:44PM
What is "hear say" and "freedom or speech drop"?
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By: mike on 6/14/2009 1:57AM
You hear worse in the stands at some ball games -Packers games, Cubs games, and more - yet no one seems compelled to put MLB or NFL on the hot seat.
I'm a BLACK motorsports fan; have been for 45 of my 50 years, and I've met LESS racism among race fans, even NASCAR fans.
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