NASCAR Bans “General Lee” Over Confederate Flag
When Pro-Golfer Bubba Watson bought the 1969 Dodge Charger known as the “General Lee” for 110,000 a few years ago he never assumed it would be the center of controversy that it is right now. Watson wanted to drive it on the parade lap before the Subway Fresh Fit 500.
But NASCAR had a problem with the giant Confederate flag painted on the roof of the car and told him that it wasn’t going to happen.
NASCAR spokesman David Higdon said,
“The image of the Confederate flag is not something that should play an official role in our sport as we continue to reach out to new fans and make NASCAR more inclusive,”
As could be expected NASCAR is taking some flak from its traditional fan base. Those fans say the confederate flag is not a sign of racism or slavery but a part of their southern heritage. Fans outside of the press conference told reporters,
“It makes me want to vomit.”
“This isn’t America. It’s Communist Russia.”
“Just one more example of NASCAR abandoning its traditional fans. Bill France Sr. is rolling over in his grave.”
“It is a disgraceful and gratuitous insult to a lot of very decent people. It is prejudicial toward those good-hearted folks, who, like Uncle Jesse Duke, are in fact, ‘never meaning’ no harm.’ ”
These are just a smattering of examples that were posted on NASCAR’s site in reference to the General Lee. While it may be true that the vast majority of people agree that the confederate flag is not a symbol of racism and hatred, most do not agree that even without that intent the flag has become a symbol of hatred and intolerance.
Do you agree with NASCAR that there is no reason to include a giant confederate flag during it’s performance?
Tags : confederate flag, dodge charger, Dukes of Hazzard, general lee, nascar, nascar bans general lee
Posted: February 20, 2012
![Howard Stern’s New Mansion Worth $52 Million [Report]](http://cdn.inquisitr.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Howard-Stern-Mansion-100x100.jpg)
![Rob Kardashian Weight Loss Fight A Fat Failure As His Belly Gets Bigger Than Kim’s [Video]](http://cdn.inquisitr.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/rob-kardashian-weight-loss-struggle-100x100.jpg)
![Deployed Soldier Returns Home, Surprises Daughter During Tampa Bay Rays First Pitch [Video]](http://cdn.inquisitr.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/deployed-soldier-surprises-daughter-rays-game-video-100x100.jpg)
Feb 21, 2012
I think NASCAR is taking themselves a little too seriously.
Feb 21, 2012
LETS SEE IF I HAVE THIS RIGHT…IT IS OK TO FLY THE MEXICAN FLAG, BUT NOT THE CONFEDERATE FLAG….I AM STARTING TO WONDER WHERE THE HELL I AM LIVING….
Feb 22, 2012
This is Sad….Obviously The Pathetic Political Correct Zombies, Who Know NOTHING about American History or The Dukes of Hazzard TV Show History for that matter, have invaded Nascar and Poisoned their minds to think as ignorantly as them.
Feb 28, 2012
I think a moonshine sill needs to sponsor a car… get NASCAR back to it's real roots.
Feb 28, 2012
This is the same PC BS that the MLB has done to the Houston Astros by not letting them wear the original Colt 45's logo on their throwback jerseys because they have a smoking revolver on them.
Mar 13, 2012
we the fans can always find another thing to do if they don't want to respect our heritage.
Aug 28, 2012
NASCAR started where? David Higdon, would benefit greatly from a little unrevised U.S. History! FYI, the Civil War wasn't fought to end slavery!
Dec 18, 2012
people need to realize the civil war wasnt over slavery it was over the federal government telling states what to do with their laws just like now when people are told weed is against the law no one should be a slave no matter what thier color what about the white slave trade now and no one seems to worry about that nascar started with moonshiners get over it what happened almost 200 years ago has nothing to do with todays problems thier are babies going to school and dying get over the past and deal with todays problems I come from illinois the land of lincoln and am not afraid of saying what I think again worry about now not the past you idiots.
Dec 18, 2012
I know stupid people repeat that, but the plain fact is that there would have been no Civil War had not the South believed that staying in the Union would inevitably result in the end of slavery. They saw the writing on the wall. Pity you can't.
Dec 18, 2012
Wow after Sandy Hook I think you would show a little sensitivity — i guess not. Kudos to MLB.
Dec 18, 2012
Yeah something equally disgusting no doubt. NASCAR fans have never had much class.
Dec 18, 2012
beer offends me so I think the need to ban al lbeer sponsors from nascar as well.
Dec 18, 2012
look at all the people killed by drunk drivers every year.So beer is a constant reminder of that.
Dec 19, 2012
NASCAR GONE TO HELL!!!!!!!!
Dec 19, 2012
Well, you don't ban the General Lee, that's stupid, ticking off most of your fans so you might score a few who don't even know who Gereral Lee is. Instead, build a 69 Chevelle ss396, paint it blue, put a Union flag on the roof and call it the General Grant! Show the cars together and get over it!
Dec 19, 2012
I believe we live in the USA. I don't see swastikas shown publicly, in fact, I don't see the flags of any other country prominently displayed. The confederacy was a traitorous entity in our history. They lost the war. Who in the hell are they?
Dec 23, 2012
That is stupid!!!!