If you’re white and a fan of NASCAR, slow it down because the line Kyle Larson crossed wasn’t at the Daytona 500.
Larson allegedly used the n-word towards a white friend during a virtual race that looks like IRacing. IRacing is a virtual online league featuring NASCAR fans or NASCAR professional drivers competing to own the track.
In a video, Larson can be heard saying “a n***** who the f***” after his friend asked if he could hear him. We all are not dumb and it’s clear when you have on headsets, you can hear more than two people talking on IRacing. There’s no question a black man probably was in the race who cut off Larson to take his place for the lead. Most white folks say n**** to their white friends who love black culture. However, it’s rare to hear white folks call each other n****r unless we were in the 1960s’ and heard n****r lover.
When white folks try to talk their way out of what it seen as the obvious, there’s a sincere explanation backed by a false apology. Not even Darell “Bubba” Wallace would approve of giving Larson the green light to say the n-word. NASCAR has a history of racism starting with legendary victim Wendell Oliver Scott. Scott was the first African-American man to win the once known Grand National Series. Prior to his title, he was denied to participate in races because he was black. Unlike Scott, Larson is covering up and using his privilege to get back in a profession dominated by white men. Maybe NASCAR will reinstate him when the social injustice protests and recognition for black existence calm down.
Larson, 28, said he totally understands why anyone especially black folks could see him as a racist. One of NASCAR’s fan favorites was fired in April.
“I know deep down I’m not a racist. I said a racist word and I can fully understand why people would label me a racist,” Larson told CBS News.
For Larson’s interview and a racial slur, flip the pages.