NASCAR: Truck series driver quitting over new confederate flag and National Anthem policy

CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 24: Brad Keselowski, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Ford, pits during the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2020 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

After NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace suggested that the confederate flag should be banned from events in an interview, the front office listened. On Wednesday, the sport announced that the flag will indeed be banned from NASCAR events. Additionally, competitors are no longer required to stand for the National Anthem.

This comes after NASCAR President Steve Phelps addressed drivers and fans about the racial injustices in our country before Sunday’s race at Atlanta. For Wednesday’s race at Martinsville, Wallace will be running a “Black Lives Matter” paint scheme.

For part time Truck Series owner Ray Ciccarelli, he’s decided that’s enough. In a recent Facebook post, he announced that 2020 will be his last season in the sport.

“If this is the direction NASCAR is headed, we will not participate after [the] 2020 season is over,” said Ciccarelli. “I don’t believe in kneeling during the [National] Anthem nor taken people [away the] right to fly whatever flag they love.”

The Maryland native hasn’t raced yet in 2020, but ran 18 races over the prior three seasons. He scored one top-10 finish last season.

While many fans are happy with the changes that NASCAR is making, others are very upset.

“Sorry but no longer watching NASCAR thanks to you” said a fan to Wallace on Facebook. Another saying “If he runs with Black Lives Matter, I’ll turn my tickets in and never watch or attend another NASCAR race.”

The reaction from many fans is very disappointing, and proof that racism still exists far too frequently in society. If many fans are really choosing to no longer follow the sport over these new rules, then it may improve NASCAR’s reputation in the long run. It’s good that the sport realized that change was needed and did something about it.