For more than 70 years, the Confederate flag was a common and complicated sight at NASCAR races.
NASCAR banned the flag at its races and all its venues Wednesday, a dramatic step by a series steeped in Southern tradition and proud of its good ol’ boy roots.
Wallace, wearing an American flag mask, clapped his hands when asked about the decision before the start of the race.
“The presence of the Confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry,” NASCAR said.
The display of the Confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties.”.
The decision had Confederate flag loyalists howling in protest and vowing to swear off the sport.
Five years ago, the flag issue was front and center for NASCAR after nine black churchgoers were slain in Charleston, South Carolina. »
