Mark Humphrey/Associated Press
Almost one month after a Confederate flag banner was flown over Talladega Speedway in June, a flag was spotted flying over Bristol Motor Speedway on Wednesday ahead of NASCARs All-Star Race.
Confederate flags and images have actually been banned at all races and NASCAR venues because June 10 with the organization saying it runs “contrary to our dedication to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry.”
According to USA Todays Mike Hembree, Wednesdays banner included an advertisement for the Sons of Confederate Veterans organization, which formerly declared obligation for the Talladega banner.
” NASCARs banning the display screen of the Confederate battle flag by its fans is nothing less than running over upon Southerners First Amendment Right of free expression,” SCV Commander-in-Chief Paul C. Gramling Jr. stated following Talladega, per James Bennett of the Columbia Daily Herald. “This un-American act shall not go unchallenged. Members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans Confederate Air Force showed its disapproval of NASCARs squashing upon the First Amendment Rights of Southerners.”
As a private company, however, NASCARs choice to prohibit Confederate images does not break free-speech protections.
No Confederate flags were reported in the grandstands during the All-Star Race, and the infield was closed to viewers.
The All-Star Open, held shortly prior to the All-Star Race, featured motorist Bubba Wallace, who is currently the only Black chauffeur in the Cup Series. Wallace did not receive the All-Star Race following a crash with Michael McDowell.
Confederate imagery had long been accepted at NASCAR occasions, yet the sport took action after Wallace required the banning of the flag. Formerly NASCAR had asked fans not to bring the flag to venues or occasions.
Wallace has actually driven in a vehicle with a #BlackLivesMatter paint task and has actually gotten support from the sport and his fellow drivers for taking a stand against bigotry in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody in late May.
