NASCAR lowers the boom on Larson for racial slur in Esports event

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NASCAR has indefinitely suspended Chip Ganassi Racing's Kyle Larson for using a racial slur during an iRacing event on Sunday.

NASCAR has set up its own online Esports series while racing in the real world remains on pause. On Sunday, Larson was attempting to communicate in the chat with his fellow sim racers when he dropped the N-word.

A shocked Anthony Alfredo instantly pointed out to Larson that his channel was wide open: "Kyle, you’re talking to everyone, bud," quipped the Richard Childress Racing driver who competes in the second-tier XFINITY Series.

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On Monday, NASCAR released a statement in which it said that Larson was suspended indefinitely from the series, while iRacing has suspended the driver's account.

"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," NASCAR said.

"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."

Team boss Chip Ganassi wasn't any less critical of his driver, adding that Larson was suspended without pay.

"We are extremely disappointed by what Kyle said last night during an iRacing Event," said Ganassi.

"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."

Yesterday, Larson took to social media to apologize for his abusive language.

"Hey, I just want to say I’m sorry. Last night I made a mistake and said the word that should never, ever be said and there’s no excuse for that," Larson said in a video message.

"I wasn’t raised that way. It’s just an awful thing to say. I feel very sorry for my family, my friends, my partners, the NASCAR community and especially the African-American community. I understand the damage is probably unrepairable and I own up to that.

"But I just want to let you all know how sorry I am and I hope everybody is staying safe during these crazy times. Thank you."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.