NASCAR distances itself from Confederate flag

[aaaaaa5a]

From ESPN:

http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/7586239/nascar-turns-bubba-watson-general-lee-car-pheonix-race



NASCAR and track officials canceled plans to have pro golfer Bubba Watson drive the "General Lee," the car from the television series "The Dukes of Hazzard," at Phoenix International Raceway next month because of concerns about a negative reaction to an image of the Confederate flag on its roof.

Watson was scheduled to drive the bright orange 1969 Dodge Charger on a parade lap before the March 4 Sprint Cup series race at Phoenix. The car has a large Confederate flag on its roof, just as it did when it appeared on the show.


"The image of the Confederate flag is not something that should play an official role in our sport as we continue to reach out to new fans and make NASCAR more inclusive," NASCAR spokesman David Higdon said in a statement Friday.


Higdon said it was a joint decision by officials with NASCAR, the racetrack, and track ownership group International Speedway Corp.

Watson, who recently drove the car to the Phoenix Open golf tournament, wrote Thursday on Twitter: "Sorry to say @nascar won't let me drive The General Lee at the @PhoenixRaceway !!! #dreamcrushed."

"Obviously, I don't stand for the Confederate flag," Watson said. "The Confederate flag was not used (in the show) for what people see it as today, so that's sad. But NASCAR was built on moonshining, so the show was built on moonshining. I thought it was fun. I didn't buy the car to get publicity; I bought it because I love it."

"Two days ago, they called my manager and said we can't do it, that NASCAR pulled the plug on it," Watson said. "They said the reason was the Confederate flag on top. I understand if I was using it in that form. But I bought because it's (number) 01, from the TV show, and who doesn't want a car that's been jumped (in a TV stunt)? The TV show was about moonshining, driving in the backwoods in those days."

Watson said he still will attend the Phoenix race, and still plans to let NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin caddy for him in the Par 3 tournament at the Masters.

[TlalocW]

1. Is K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider available?

It's his turn to shine!

TlalocW

[aaaaaa5a]

2. I loved that car.

&feature=related
Classic 80s!!!!

[Stinky The Clown]

3. Put a vinyl cover/decal over it

Or paint the roof.

[aaaaaa5a]

4. I give NASCAR a lot credit.

They are really trying to branch out away from their base. NASCAR leaders understand what many of their drivers and fans do not, when it comes to growing the sport and gaining appeal across the entire nation.