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(Reuters) - Kyle Larson, who was suspended by
NASCAR and fired by his team Chip Ganassi Racing for using a
racial slur during a live streamed iRacing esports event in
April, has been reinstated NASCAR said on Monday.
"Kyle Larson has fulfilled the requirements set by NASCAR, and
has taken several voluntary measures, to better educate himself
so that he can use his platform to help bridge the divide in our
country," NASCAR said in a statement. "Larson’s indefinite
suspension has been lifted.
"Under the terms of his reinstatement, he will be cleared to
return to all NASCAR racing activities effective January 1,
2021."
A six-time winner on the NASCAR Cup Series, Larson had been one
of the series hottest commodities until he was heard using the
slur while apparently testing his microphone for the iRacing
competition and immediately dropped by sponsors and his team.
Terms of Larson's reinstatement include conducting several
speaking engagements spaced out through 2023 and continuing to
take part in training and engagement classes.
During his suspension Larson spent time racing sprint cars
collecting 12 victories on the World of Outlaws tour, which
required Larson to complete sensitivity training in order to be
cleared for competition.
While the path has been cleared for a return to NASCAR but has
not yet been offered a drive.
"Apologizing for your mistakes matters," said Larson in an essay
published Oct. 4 on his website. "Accountability matters.
Forgiveness matters. Treating others with respect matters.
"I will not stop listening and learning, but for me now, it’s
about action — doing the right things, being a part of the
solution and writing a new chapter that my children will be
proud to read."
(Reporting by Steve Keating in Toronto. Editing by Christian
Radnedge)
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