After being suspended earlier this year for using a racial slur, Kyle Larson is set to make his NASCAR comeback starting January 2021. The decision to lift his suspension was announced on Monday.
In an official statement, NASCAR emphasized its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the sport. Larson, now 28, was suspended indefinitely back in April following the incident involving the racial slur in a virtual racing event. NASCAR stated that Larson has met all the requirements for reinstatement and has taken proactive steps to educate himself on racial issues to help unify the community.
Reflecting on his actions, Larson expressed his journey of self-discovery, stating, “Since April, I’ve done a lot of reflecting. I realized how little I really knew about the African-American experience in this country and racism in general.” He acknowledged the importance of educating himself on these matters and vowed to use his platform positively to bridge gaps and promote understanding.
Having a mixed heritage with Japanese roots, Larson had previously been a beneficiary of NASCAR’s diversity initiatives. Following his apology, Larson visited Philadelphia’s Urban Racing School to advocate for motorsport opportunities for students from black and minority communities.
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