Updated throughout the day with quick takes from staff.
Last month, PGA golfer Bubba Watson purchased his dream car – the famed "General Lee" of Dukes of Hazzard fame – for $110,000 at the Barrett-Jackson automobile auction.
Phoenix International Raceway officials then invited Watson -- a close friend of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin -- to be an honorary race official and take a lap in his new ride prior to the upcoming Sprint Cup Series race at the track.
But NASCAR caught wind of the arrangement this week and nixed the whole idea on grounds the car could be considered offensive.
The General Lee, which was driven by the Duke boys in the early 1980s TV series, is named for Confederate general Robert E. Lee and has a Confederate flag on the roof.
While that may have been acceptable in the old NASCAR, the new NASCAR is much more image-conscious and doesn't want to exclude any of its fans.
NASCAR's view is having the General Lee parade around the track before one of its races could be construed as condoning a symbol of racism.
Watson's view, though, is pure disappointment:
Sorry to say @nascar won't let me drive The General Lee at the @PhoenixRaceway !!! #dreamcrushed
— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) February 15, 2012
Confederate flags remain a common sight at NASCAR races because some campers fly the flags in a salute to their Southern heritage. But NASCAR officials believe there's a big difference between a guy hanging a flag on his RV and allowing the General Lee – and thus the Confederate flag – to take a parade lap in front of 70,000 people.
NASCAR's decision not to promote a potentially offensive symbol may be laudable, but some fans will likely consider it as an overly sensitive move.
A sizable number of fans won't look at the General Lee as anything but an iconic vehicle from a popular sitcom, and thus, they may view NASCAR's ban as a politically correct overreaction.
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of all the places
Its funny that its Phoenix. Watkins Glen says “well played”.
by Mark Mandingo on Feb 17, 2012 1:22 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Wait, NASCAR banned the Confederate flag?
#HeadExplodes
"You have to remember, basketball to the University of Miami is like football to the University of Kansas." - Kim English
by Gaknar on Feb 17, 2012 1:57 PM EST reply actions
NASCAR needs a history lesson
It’s heritage, not hate
by TheNASCARTER on Feb 17, 2012 2:50 PM EST reply actions
Phoenix heritage?
You name it, I hate it.
by Mark Mandingo on Feb 17, 2012 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
Arizona...
The last state to recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. So, in a way, yes.
by Spyder Mayhem on Feb 17, 2012 6:29 PM EST up reply actions
This is so absurd
Meanwhile tonight on NBC the naacp is airing an awards show. A openly racist group that supports reverse racism to make up for past injustices, and that is ok for network tv? The double standards in this country are getting completely out of hand.
"If guns cause crime then all of mine are defective."
by detroit_fan on Feb 17, 2012 4:19 PM EST reply actions
the naacp and the confederate flag
are not analogous. One is a group that promotes the interests of a minority group, the other is a symbol of a rebellion based upon slavery that almost destroyed America.
Me and my squad build just like contractors
I break s***, you only give hairline fractures
by LatrellSprewell on Feb 18, 2012 12:04 AM EST up reply actions
supporting and promoting special treatment based only on skin color is NOT promoting the interests of a minority. it is racism and should not be tolerated. if you really think that the Confederate flag stands for slavery you have failed history miserably.
"If guns cause crime then all of mine are defective."
by detroit_fan on Feb 18, 2012 1:36 PM EST up reply actions
It's called a DECAL.
It measures 24″×36″. It’s an American Flag. It covers up anything offensive underneath. It costs about $49, installed. And it would let Bubba Watson drive on the track. It’s no big deal EXCEPT THAT NO ONE THOUGHT OF IT. If people were more creative and concentrated on a better solution, dumb events like this would happen less.
by RAEckart on Feb 17, 2012 7:16 PM EST reply actions
that would work
Although I wonder if NASCAR deems it more PR valuable to disassociate itself with the battle flag than to actually solve the issue at hand. Smart solution nonetheless.
You name it, I hate it.
by Mark Mandingo on Feb 18, 2012 11:21 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Gen Lee
NASCAR is run and staffed by a bunch of rich idiots. They don’t give a damn about the sport or it’s heritage beyond the linings of their pockets. I’m just about done with the sport! They’re ruined the racing with the formula cars and penalizing any sort of individuality or innovation on the part of drivers or teams. France and his ass kissers would rather drown the history of the sport, thereby disrespecting the sport itself, than POSSIBLY offend some small segment of society. Frankly, I, a stout supporter whose father raced the tracks in VA, NC and FL back when France was just another driver, have not been to a track in five years. Last year I missed watching about half the races and found I didn’t miss it a bit. This year I’m already fed up with the vanilla reporting for fear of offending NASCAR. I guarantee you I will not spend one dollar on either NASCAR or driver/team merchandise. The drivers, with a few notable exceptions, are now overpaid prima donnas who have no respect for the fans…the sole reason for their being! Nothing at all like the drivers I knew and respectecd. I watched the Waltrip interview with Patrick and was disgusted with her attitude toward the fans. In short, she has to “remind” herself to be nice because “they all want something from you.” Well here’s a clue Danica, you need them more than they need you!
by butchw on Feb 18, 2012 3:36 PM EST reply actions
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