US car racing series Nascar has banned the Confederate flag from its racetracks and properties effectively immediately.
The decision comes just two days after Bubba Wallace, the lone black driver in the elite Cup Series, called for a ban of the flag – which for many Americans is a symbol of racism, oppression, and slavery – and has been a familiar sight at Nascar events for more than 70 years.
Nascar in a statement said: “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. Bringing people together around a love for racing and the community that it creates is what makes our fans and sport special. The display of the confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties.”
