The first Asian American to win the NASCAR Rookie of the Year award is under suspension after being heard using the N word during a live stream.
Kyle Larson has yet to respond to the action, but NASCAR said it is investigating the matter, reports Sporting News.
The 27 year old from Elk Grove, California near Sacramento races for Chip Ganassi Racing which announced it had suspended the driver.
Larson was participating in a streamed event meant to entertain fans during the coronavirus pandemic when the incident happened.
According to CBS Sports, Larson lost communication with his spotter when he said “You can’t hear me? Hey, n__”
LATEST STORIES
Another driver responded “Kyle, you’re talking to everyone, bud.”
You can hear what happened in the tweet below.
Larson came up through NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program. He is half Japanese American.
“We are extremely disappointed by what Kyle said last night during an iRacing Event,” Chip Ganassi Racing said in a statement. “The words that he chose to use are offensive and unacceptable. As of this moment we are suspending Kyle without pay while we work through this situation with all appropriate parties.”
AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our new Instagram account. Go to our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff, or submitting a story.
