NASCAR suspends driver Kyle Larson indefinitely for using N-word during a virtual race

By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR has suspends driver Kyle Larson indefinitely for using the N-word during a virtual race over the weekend.

NASCAR released a statement to Headline Surfer and other media outlets that cover its racing events. This is what the statement, dated April 13 from NASCAR headquarters in Daytona Beach said:

"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. 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."

Larson was competing in an iRacing event Sunday night when he apparently lost communication on his headset with his spotter. During a check of his microphone, he said, "You can't hear me?" This was followed by the N-word.

Larson, in his seventh full season racing at NASCAR's top Cup level, has yet to comment on his indefinite suspension by NASCAR.

He is in the final year of his contract with Chip Ganassi Racing.

Larson was at the top of the list of a crowded free agent field when the circuit was suspended four races into the season as sports leagues such as the NBA, NHL and XFL Football stopped play during the coronavirus crisis and Major League Baseball put the upcoming season on hold indefinitely.