NASCAR isn’t the first sport that comes to mind when you think of support for progressive causes. In fact, it’s probably the last.
In the 2016 election, for instance, NASCAR Chairman Brian France endorsed Donald Trump in a public event that included former NASCAR champion Bill Elliott and his son, up-and-coming driver Chase Elliott.
Just this year, one of the sport’s better drivers, Kyle Larson, was suspended indefinitely and fired by his team for using the N word. And Trump took a spin in his presidential limo on the track at this year’s Daytona 500 back in February.
But a lot has changed in four years too.
Ty Dillon was the first white driver to publicly speak out, posting a statement on Instagram shortly before Sunday’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Describing himself as never wishing “to be seen as someone who is silent on the subject of racism and social injustice”, he expressed his willingness to “be a part of the generation that forever changes this narrative. The conversation that this hatred is not okay needs to happen in ALL communities and we must be willing to talk about it.”
Doesn’t exactly fit the stereotype of a typical redneck driver, does it?
What makes Ty Dillon’s comment so remarkable is his grandfather, NASCAR team owner Richard Childress. Childress once threatened to fire any member of his team who participated in kneeling in support of Colin Kaepernick. He is also a longtime member of the board of the National Rifle Association.
Dillon doesn’t drive for his grandfather’s team, but his brother Austin does.
Ty Dillon had an Instagram chat about the issue with Darrell “Bubba” Wallace, the only African-American driver in NASCAR’s Cup Series. Watch it here.
And then there is seven-time NASCAR Cup champion Jimmie Johnson:
And there is also Dale Earnhardt Jr., who for two decades was NASCAR’s most popular driver.
Tyler Reddick, who drives for Childress, is a rookie Cup driver:
And how about driver David Ragan:
Also, Brad Keselowski, who won NASCAR’s most recent race on Sunday:
NASCAR itself, which is no longer led by Brian France after his arrest on DWI and drug charges, issued the following statement:
But the most remarkable expression of support came from the same Chase Elliott who stood with Brian France and his father in endorsing Trump four years ago.