Larson issues apology after NASCAR suspends driver for racial slur

NASCAR driver Kyle Larson

Kyle Larson has apologised after being suspended indefinitely by NASCAR over his use of a racial slur during a virtual race on Sunday.

The Chip Ganassi Racing driver was performing a microphone check at the iRacing event, asking: "You can't hear me?"

Larson followed up by uttering a derogatory term before being informed by a fellow driver that he could be overheard.

He was consequently suspended and ordered to undergo sensitivity training by NASCAR, with Larson accepting "the damage is probably unrepairable". 

"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," he said in a video posted on Twitter. 

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

pic.twitter.com/RPsp7ARIea

— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) April 13, 2020

A NASCAR statement released on Monday read: "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."

Larson had already been suspended without pay by Chip Ganassi Racing.

The team said in a statement: "We are extremely disappointed by what Kyle said last night during an iRacing Event. 

"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."