By Luis Torres, Staff Writer
Hours after Kyle Larson was suspended by NASCAR, iRacing and Chip Ganassi Racing indefinitely, Chevrolet, Credit One Bank and McDonald’s have cut ties with the six-time NASCAR Cup Series winner.
A spokesperson from Chevrolet joined the other three entities’ actions and will be prepared if any further action is required.
“Chevrolet has suspended its relationship with Kyle Larson indefinitely, as we do not tolerate this behavior. We will continue to monitor the events surrounding Mr. Larson and are prepared to take additional action.”
Along with Chevrolet, both primary sponsors issued statements that they’re no longer sponsoring Larson following Sunday night’s iRacing “Monza Madness” event where he used a racial slur during the race.
Credit One Bank was the first sponsor to take action on Larson’s indefinite suspension as they support the suspension handed to their former endorser.
“As stated earlier, Credit One Bank denounces the highly offensive language used by Kyle Larson during Sunday’s iRacing event. In addition to the quick actions taken by NASCAR and Chip Ganassi Racing, Credit One Bank is terminating its sponsorship of Kyle Larson.”
McDonald’s, who’s been sponsoring a Chip Ganassi owned car for over a decade, released a statement Monday afternoon regarding their termination with the driver of the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE.
“We were extremely disappointed and appalled to hear about this incident. The comments made by Kyle Larson are insensitive, offensive and not reflective of our inclusive values and will not be tolerated. McDonald’s is taking immediate action to terminate the relationship with Larson.”
Those sponsorships leaving only implies their relationship with Larson, not Chip Ganassi Racing. The two-car operation haven’t responded to the actions of Chevrolet, Credit One Bank and McDonald’s as of this time.
It was CGR who made the first move of suspending Larson without pay as he’ll be required to attend sensitivity training.
“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.”
Larson did issue an apology video after being suspended for the incident:
— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) April 13, 2020
AdventHealth denounced Larson’s racial remarks and too backs Chip Ganassi Racing and NASCAR for handling the situation.
“As an organization that is focused on creating a culture of inclusiveness and wholeness for our patients and team members, we denounce Kyle Larson’s use of a racial slur during a virtual race over the weekend,” a statement issued by AdventHealth. “(We’re) not a sponsor of the event, but does have an ongoing partnership with his team, Chip Ganassi Racing. We support the decisive actions taken by NASCAR and Chip Ganassi Racing.”
Despite those entities tacking strict actions, two other sponsorships will continue to support Larson. Those are Finley Farms, which sponsors Larson’s sprint car, and diecast distributor Plan B Sales. Both commented that Larson deserves a second chance after making a big mistake online.
Finley farms will continue to support @KyleLarsonRacin sprint car efforts! We all make mistakes, and deserve a second chance!
— Jason Finley (@finleyfarmsinc) April 13, 2020
— PlanBSales.com (@PlanBSales) April 13, 2020
Edit: Lucas Oil, First Data and Clover have also cut ties with Larson and back the suspension handed by NASCAR, iRacing and Chip Ganassi Racing.
Connect with Us
To RSS Feed
Followers
Likes