Winless, unknown driver quits NASCAR over flag ban
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Ray Ciccarelli is simply not willing to drive in the right direction.
The part-time driver in NASCAR’s Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series took to social media Wednesday night to say he was quitting the sport over NASCAR’s longoverdue decision to ban the Confederate flag from all events and facilities.
“Well its been a fun ride and dream come true but if this is the direction Nascar is headed we will not participate after 2020 season is over , i don’t believe in kneeling during Anthem nor taken ppl right to fly what ever flag they love,” Ciccarelli wrote in a Facebook post shortly after NASCAR announced the ban.
“I could care less about the Confederate Flag but there are ppl that do and it doesn’t make them a racist all you are doing is f—king one group to cater to another and i ain’t spend the money we are to participate in any political BS!! So everything is for SALE!!”
With a big push from Bubba Wallace, the lone fulltime black driver in NASCAR’s top series, NASCAR finally made the move to rid the southern-bred sport of a symbol of racism and hate.
“The presence of the Confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry,” NASCAR said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Bringing people together around a love for racing and community that it creates is what makes our fans and sport special. The display of the Confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties.”
Wallace had called for the ban earlier in the week.
“No one should feel uncomfortable when they come to a NASCAR race. So it starts with Confederate flags. Get them out of here. They have no place for them.”
That was a step too far for the 50-year-old Maryland native, but he didn’t stick around to defend his stance as he deleted his post along with several social media accounts.
“Ray Big Mad!” wrote former Cowboys defensive end Marcus Spears and current ESPN analyst on Twitter. “You ain’t win a damn thang anyway.”
Ciccarelli’s lack of success in the sport was a fact many on social media were more than happy to point out. Even NASCAR itself.
According to Ciccarelli’s Racing-Reference.com profile, he has just one Top 10 finish in 18 races with an average finish of 24.8.
Wallace, who drove his No. 43 “Black Lives Matter” Chevy to an 11th place finish in Wednesday night’s Cup Series event at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia, isn’t sad to see Ciccarelli park his truck for good.
“I’d seen that comment,” Wallace told the “Today” show on Thursday morning, “and I was kind of baffled by it honestly. I think he just solidified his career and no longer being a part of NASCAR. I would really encourage NASCAR to step up and look at that if he tries to reinstate.
“I’ve seen a comment where to most it’s a sign of heritage, but to a large group of people it’s a sign of hate and oppression.”