I’m African American, a Navy Veteran and NASCAR Fan. I knew little about the sport until I moved to Florida and was invited by co-workers to attend the races Daytona International Speedway. At first, I felt out of place but when the race was over, I was hooked. My family and I spent our vacations on the infields at Darlington, Atlanta and Daytona. The hospitality shown by the fans and new friends that I met was overwhelming. The color of my skin didn’t matter, just the number of the driver’s car that I rooted for.
Displays of the Confederate flag were the proverbial elephant in the room that ruined whatever warm welcome we’d receive.