Kyle Larson has been suspended by team and sanction following comments on Sunday
Update: Kyle Larson has also been suspended from the iRacing service; Chevrolet suspends partnership.
On Sunday night, Kyle Larson entered a one-off iRacing event. It took place on a hosted server on the Monza oval.
The race was intended to mean nothing. It was just for fun. 60+ cars on a 4+ mile oval with yellow flags disabled.
Related: NASCAR driver Kyle Larson drops N-word (Video)
Update: NASCAR’s only African-American driver comments on Kyle Larson’s n-word usage
Update: Kyle Larson fired by Chip Ganassi Racing
Update: Sponsors abandon Kyle Larson
Update: Kyle Larson releases video apology
Update: Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman says Kyle Larson ‘needs his ass beat’
Real-world racing drivers filled the event. Stars of NASCAR, INDYCAR, NHRA and more lined the grid from front to back. In addition to the stars of iRacing.
Early in the event, Kyle Larson appeared to be having issues with his mic. He either thought it wasn’t working or he thought he was on a private channel.
Drivers are able to communicate directly to their digital spotters via a private chat. However, that’s not what happened.
Instead, Larson stated the N-word on the LIVE stream. It was heard by all 60+ drivers in the race in addition to race fans tuned in.
The event was shown live on the NASCAR youtube channel. Multiple social media streams also carried the event.
Chip Ganassi Racing suspends Larson:
On Monday morning, Chip Ganassi Racing issues a statement. They have suspended their driver for an undisclosed amount of time.
Related: Chip Ganassi Racing suspends Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson suspended by NASCAR
Now, NASCAR has issued a penalty of their own. Larson is also suspended by NASCAR…
The 27-year old was in violation of sections 12.1 (General Procedures) and 12.8 (NASCAR Member Conduct Guidelines). He has been handed a behavioral penalty.
Additionally, Larson will have to attend sensitivity training, directed by NASCAR.
“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,” a NASCAR statement read.
“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,” the statement concluded.
Larson is in his 8th year in the NASCAR Cup Series.
NASCAR rule book on slurs
Section 12.8.1.e in the NASCAR Rule Book states:
“Member actions that could result in a fine and/or indefinite suspension, or termination:”
“-Public statement and/or communication that 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.”
Kyle Larson suspended by iRacing
Kyle Larson’s dirt racing program is partial funded by iRacing. However, the drivers has still be suspended from the online service.
iRacing Statement (April 13, 2020 – 1:00pm): “iRacing considers itself to be a welcome and inclusive community for racing enthusiasts all around the world. We have strict policies against offensive behavior and language.”
“Kyle Larson’s language last night during a streamed online race was both offensive and inappropriate, and in violation of out sporting code.”
“As such, Kyle Larson has been suspended indefinitely from the iRacing service.”
It’s not uncommon for drivers to get banned from iRacing for intentionally wrecking and/or language. However, there is typically a set time on the suspension. In this case, Larson’s suspension is indefinite.
Chevrolet suspends partnership with Kyle Larson
“Chevrolet has suspended its relationship with Kyle Larson indefinitely, as we do not tolerate this behavior. We will continue to monitor the events surrounding Mr. Larson & are prepared to take additional action.”
More
Update: NASCAR’s only African-American driver comments on Kyle Larson’s n-word usage
Update: Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman says Kyle Larson ‘needs his ass beat’
Update: Kyle Larson fired by Chip Ganassi Racing
Update: Sponsors abandon Kyle Larson
Update: Kyle Larson releases video apology
Kyle Larson suspended by Chip Ganassi Racing following slur on iRacing game
NASCAR History: Racial slurs of the past amid Kyle Larson’s comment
NASCAR driver Kyle Larson drops N-word (Video)
Kyle Larson, Daniel Suarez wreck each other under caution at Bristol Motor Speedway
Bubba Wallace loses real-world NASCAR sponsorship after rage quitting iRacing event (Video)
NASCAR announces online racing series during postponement
Kyle Larson had plans to test a Scott Bloomquist dirt late model
Links
Kyle Larson | Chip Ganassi Racing | NASCAR | eNASCAR | iRacing
