NASCAR bans Confederate flag in support of Black Lives Matter

NASCAR has banned the Confederate flag from its races and venues, formally severing itself from what many believe is a symbol of slavery and racism.

The move comes amid social unrest around the globe following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in Minneapolis while being detained by police.

Protests continue across the country with Confederate monuments being taken down across the South – the traditional fan base for NASCAR.

Confederate flags have been a familiar sight at races over the sport’s 72-year history however, the stock car series with its roots in moonshine running has in recent years taken cautious steps to sever the connection.

The issue came to a head this week as Bubba Wallace, NASCAR’s lone black driver, called for the banishment of the Confederate flag and said there was “no place” for them in the sport.

Read more via CNN