NASCAR driver suspended for saying N-word during online race

When you’re playing an online multiplayer game, it’s easy to get frustrated especially if you’re not winning. You need to keep your emotions -and your mouth- in check.

That is something a professional NASCAR driver is learning. The hard way.

Kyle Larson, one of the drivers of Chip Ganassi Racing in the premier NASCAR Cup Series, was heard speaking the N-word during a live-streamed iRacing tournament on Twitch. 

During the virtual race called Monza Madness, Larson seemed to be having trouble communicating with his spotter, and during the technical difficulties, he spoke the racial slur. Since the race was being broadcast live on the streaming platform, this was picked up by other racers and viewers as well.

As a result of the incident, NASCAR, Chip Ganassi Racing, and even iRacing have suspended him indefinitely.

“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,” NASCAR said in a statement.

Following the incident, Larson has taken to social media in order to apologize for his action.

"I just want to say I’m sorry. Last night I made a mistake and said the word that should never, ever be said," Larson said in a video. "There’s no excuse for that. 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 un-repairable, and I own up to that. But I just wanted to let you all know how sorry I am," said Larson.

As more and more online races are set to be held around, participants should be more cautious in expressing their emotions because one word can change their entire career overnight.

UPDATE: The driver in question, Kyle Larson, was subsequently fired by Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) over the issue. The team made the announcement over their social media channels.