INDIANAPOLIS — Video game racing has proven to be more costly than good. While that’s the fault of two drivers and their actions, the realistic approach is no one has gained any fame or padded their bank accounts turning right and left in a virtual world. It never will. It’s not a serious form of racing. At the end of the day, it’s a video game and just that — a video game.
But these video games could have cost two drivers rides in the real world. That takes a not serious leisurely activity and makes it more serious than it needs to be.
Bubba Wallace lost his cool a few weeks ago in an online race at Bristol. First off, Wallace did what most of us would have done in that situation – quit. He was crashed out for at least a second time and decided enough was enough and left. That’s his right to do so. In the real world, a crash like that would have ended his day anyways. In the virtual world, which is why I don’t take any of it seriously, he could have kept going.
That cost him a sponsor in Blue-Emu.
Fast forward to the last couple of days for Kyle Larson. The California native used a racial slur during an online race on Easter night. Less than 24 hours later, his future in the sport, let alone NASCAR, looks grim.
Larson, was suspended indefinitely both by his team (Chip Ganassi Racing) and the sport (NASCAR) on Monday morning. Later in the day, he lost all of his major sponsors as well. Mixed between that, iRacing and Chevrolet both distanced themselves from Larson in saying that he’s suspended indefinitely by them too.
If you’re keeping score, McDonald’s, Credit One Bank, Clover, Lucas Oil, iRacing, Chevrolet, Chip Ganassi Racing and NASCAR have all taken action against Larson, the once lauded potential superstar.
“We are extremely disappointed by what Kyle said last night during an iRacing event,” his team said in a release shortly before lunch on Monday. “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.”
Shortly thereafter, NASCAR issued a similar statement.
“NASCAR has made diversity and inclusion a priority and will not tolerate the type of language used by Kyle Larson during Sunday’s iRacing event,” a statement read. “Our member conduct guidelines are clear in this regard, and we will enforce these guidelines to maintain an inclusive environment for our entire industry and fan base.”
Then, came an indefinite and later permanent leave by Credit One Bank.
McDonald’s followed suit themselves after.
“We were extremely disappointed and appalled to hear about this incident,” McDonald’s said in a statement. “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.”
You know it’s a bad situation when a credit card company and arguably the most recognizable fast food restaurant don’t want to associate with you.
Then, the final primary sponsor in Clover, distanced themselves as well in terminating their contract with Larson.
We’re not exactly sure the races that the three were to sponsor Larson in 2020, but just last year, Credit One Bank (19 races), McDonald’s (10 races) and Clover (7 races) were on his No. 42 Chevrolet for all 36 points paying races. They were the three major sponsors again for 2020 and all three have now said that if Larson is in the car moving forward, their colors and logos won’t.
Larson, 27, is a free agent at seasons end too. He issued his own apology on Monday morning but it seems like this isn’t enough to keep him around for the foreseeable future.
Being in the early stages of the prime of his career, the six-time Cup Series winner appears to be facing a long road ahead of him to get back to a premiere ride. Larson, likely can’t race for Chip Ganassi Racing anymore. The bridges have been burned. The sponsors are staying with the organization but won’t be on Larson’s car. The team can’t afford to have a blank No. 42 Chevrolet running around a race track whenever the Coronavirus ends. Not in this day and age of racing when the all mighty dollar weighs far more than the talent pool.
Larson, had talent — a lot of it. He was the top free agent on the market. He was being mentioned for rides are Hendrick Motorsports and Team Penske for 2021 and beyond. Now, I don’t think he can even stay put where he is.
Ganassi’s best option is to let Larson walk. There has to be an out clause in his contract for this conduct and bringing up Ross Chastain is the easiest way for Ganassi to put this behind them. Plus, Larson doesn’t have a contract with them past 2020 anyways. For Hendrick, Penske or any other team in NASCAR, Larson is going to be a hard sell for share holders or top executives at potential sponsors. No way anyone is going to sign off on bringing Larson in with making the comment that he made on Sunday night.
Also, with losing iRacing, Lucas Oil and McDonald’s, three big sponsors on his dirt teams, to go along with Chevrolet, the power of his dirt teams and the one under the hood of his NASCAR team, this doesn’t just affect his NASCAR future but his racing future everywhere.
That’s how costly this has been for Larson. The next step likely coming is Ganassi releasing him and then the long road to find his next step of someone willing to take a chance on hiring him.
Race Review Online 