Sato’s race team shuts down racist comments
Andretti Autosport acts after Facebook page hit with anti-Japanese reaction to Indy 500
As Takuma Sato celebrated his Indianapolis 500 victory, his powerhouse team’s Facebook page was hit with racist comments — enough that Andretti Autosport was forced to address them Wednesday.
As the first Japanese driver to win the Indy 500 on Sunday, Sato has been the target of racist remarks — including one from a now-former Denver Post columnist, who said he had a problem with the driver’s Memorial Day weekend victory — and Andretti Autosport is not tolerating any of it.
The team explained that the purpose of its Facebook page is for supporters and racing fans to come together and celebrate.
“While we respect that this world is built on different and diverse opinions, any messages posted on this page that are profane and/or derogatory in any way will be removed and reported,” the statement read. “Like each of our fans, Takuma Sato is a patriot and is proud of his home country. Andretti Autosport is proud to have and race with a field of drivers from many different countries and walks of life. For us to censor any one person’s heritage, no matter the day of victory, would go against the beliefs that this country is built on. America is a melting pot and we thrive because we look beyond our past differences and work together to build a better community, a better country and a better world.”
This week, writer Terry Frei was fired by The Denver Post after he tweeted after Sato’s win: “Nothing specifically personal, but I am very uncomfortable with a Japanese driver winning the Indianapolis 500 during Memorial Day weekend.”
Frei later apologized for the tweet in a statement.