NASCAR's Kyle Larson Used the N-Word During a Virtual Race [UPDATE]


A Twitch livestream aired NASCAR driver Kyle Larson using the N-word during a virtual race on Sunday night, shocking his competitors. Larson appeared to believe he'd lost connection with his spotter via his headset when he used the slur.
"You can't hear me?" Larson said. "Hey, n-----."
Well, @KyleLarsonRacin apparently dropping an n-bomb could be the biggest story in sports this weekend. pic.twitter.com/5gmkbcK6yM
— A.J. Perez (@byajperez) April 13, 2020
The chat immediately reacted in disbelief with one person saying, "Hey Kyle, you're talking to everyone, bud."
Larson is in his seventh NASCAR season with Chip Ganassi Racing. He is the only racer of Japanese descent to ever win at his level and he rose to the big leagues through its Drive To Diversity program.
Neither the driver, team, or affiliated sponsors have commented on the matter yet, though surely that will change as the story gains traction this morning.
It's the second straight week an iRacing event has featured some controversy. On a much less serious level Bubba Wallace rage-quit last Sunday after being wrecked by Clint Bowyer, a move that ultimately resulted in the loss of a sponsor.
UPDATE: NASCAR has released the following statement concerning Larson's situation.
NASCAR response to questions about Kyle Larson: “NASCAR is aware of insensitive language used by a driver during an iRacing event on Sunday, and is currently gathering more information.” @NASCARONFOX
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 13, 2020
UPDATE 2: NASCAR has suspended Larson indefinitely.
NASCAR suspends Kyle Larson indefinitely: https://t.co/yYFN3fHK4u pic.twitter.com/Wkg5OoXx7z
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 13, 2020