NASCAR Truck journeyman Ray Ciccarelli has spoken out against the sport’s decision to ban the flying of the Confederate Flag at races, announcing he will not return after the 2020 season.
A Facebook post by little-known Ciccarelli which has since been deleted cited his retirement decision was a consequence of the flag’s abolishment.
“Well its been a fun ride and dream come true but if this is the direction Nascar is headed we will not participate after 2020 season is over,” read the post.
“I don’t believe in kneeling during Anthem nor taken ppl right to fly what ever flag they love.
“I could care less about the Confederate Flag but there are ppl that do and it doesn’t make them a racist all you are doing is f—— one group to cater to another and I ain’t spend the money we are to participate in any political BS!! So everything is for SALE!!”
CNN, who originally reported the news, has reached out to Ciccarelli and his CMI Motorsports team for a comment but both denied to further explain the post.
The company’s Twitter account has also been deleted.
“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,” read a NASCAR statement prior to Wednesday’s race in Martinsville.
“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.”
The Confederate flag, which has donned United States’ Southern States since the American Civil War, has long been a symbol of racism and pro-slavery and was banned from all NASCAR races following the protests of the sport’s sole black driver Bubba Wallace earlier in the week.
The next round of the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series is slated for June 14 from Homestead-Miami Speedway.
