Another possible black eye for NASCAR are the allegations of racist remarks made to a female former NASCAR official.
Brian France has claimed that she was let go due to performance issues and not because she was a woman of color. He also says that he never heard of any of these allegations before and that the woman did not go through the normal corporate procedures for filing a complaint.
Brian – wrong thing to say, dude.
I am 100% positive that France and Helton abhor such behavior and would dismiss people if they knew about it. But to claim that she must not have gone through proper channels?
Helloooooooo!
Maybe this is because Brian has basically had this job handed to him and he never really had to grow up in a real work environment. Note to Brian: HR is set up to protect the company, not the employee. Workers all across the nation will tell you that. And in a large corporation with outposts all across the country, NASCAR is a huge machine and it is very easy for acts as alleged as these to occur and never rise above the lower management level to be dealt with properly.
It was not that long ago that some idiots pulled a racist joke on a black co-worker in the Cup garage area. C’mon guys, white hoods are not funny, even to white southerners. Now I am not stupid enough to say that there is no racism in the south, north, east or west nor that some idiots see the klan as something to laugh with (not at or about — but with). And while I am a proud owner of a Confederate flag, I do not display it because I know it is a symbol of oppression to many people of color (I couldn’t care less what my white neighbors think, only my friends and neighbors of color).
NASCAR needs to deal with this issue head on and in a more proactive fashion. The officials named in the suit should all be put on probation/administrative leave or whatever until this is settled. If a driver can be fined thousands of dollars for slip of the tongue, then these guys should be held just as accountable. The fact that they are not on the air makes no difference..
Now, onto part two of this issue.
The accusations that NASCAR does not do enough in it’s diversity program to bring people of color into the party is insane in my humble opinion. I know that is not the popular stance to take but I will tell you why I feel that way.
I do agree that not many people of color are in sanctioned NASCAR racing and that there are no black drivers in any of the top series seems unbelievable, but look at Juan Montoya – a man of a different ethnicity, a man “color”, a driver that was sought after and acquired by one of the top teams has to say something about NASCARs commitment. Montoya can also drive a racecar. F1 and Indy have proven that drivers of different ethnic backgrounds can drive a car pretty darned fast. Last I checked, there were no black/African American drivers in the IRL or F1 either. Anyone calling them out as racists or not doing enough to drive diversity? And Magic Johnson was the face of NASCAR diversity — remember him? Are you going to blame NASCAR for Magic not doing more?
Let’s face it, you can driver or you can be a passenger. Either you like to tinker on cars or you don’t. And if you do, then you need the desire and wherewithal to be able to make it happen as a possible career path. The road to NASCAR fame and fortune is littered with lost nest eggs, men and women, and people of all colors and creeds. Ambition and failure are color blind.
Look at the NBA – it is made up of at least 70% African American players. Does the NBA need to go out and recruit more white players? Is a 30% ratio enough of a color mix for people to be comfortable? Where is that chart so I can go look at it.
The reason is that there are probably more kids picking up a basketball than a wrench. And more kids play basketball than are out tinkering on their cars all day long. You also have more kids dreaming about being KG or Kobe or even Yao Ming than dream of being the best engine tuner or ARCA driver, let alone being the best Cup driver.
NASCAR on TV is a recent development. Basketball was on the radio or TV and the games were easily accessible for many years prior to racing on TV. NASCAR was rarely shown on TV and the Indy 500 was the King of all races until more recent history.
Did NASCAR not do enough in its past to embrace diversity – probably so, as have many other businesses and sports. But I don’t think that rings true for today. So before you go off blasting NASCAR about not doing enough about diversity these days, ask yourself when was the last time you picked up a ball of any kind and asked your kid to play. And when was the last time you each grabbed a wrench and got grease all over you.
And in case you forgot my first point, the alleged actions against the former female official are abhorrent and should be dealt with swiftly and decisively and publicly.
Let me know your thoughts at www.chucka@turnleftracing.com.
Camaro for sale
F1 has Lewis Hamilton
Great article, and another thing, racism is a two way street. Many people may not know this but alot of white NBA dancers and pr personnel go through the same thing, but no lawsuits.
Great article, Chuckster.
I like it when people stand up and write about what’s on their mind.
RM
I just wonder why it took so long for her to file a law suit on nascar. if it was that bad why didnt she go talk to the head guys. some of the thing that I have heard why did it take 2 yrs to tell someone.
Thanks Racing Maniac — back at ya.
Great comments and YES, F1 has Lewis Hamilton, a fave of a friend of mine (a white woman by the way) so how crazy of me to forget. So we have 1 black man (cause LH is British so not technically African American) in all of F1, IRL and Cup? So are F1 and IRL racist because of that? Think not.
As to why the former female official did not go over anyone’s head — good question and we do not know all the details. I believe she tried and was shot down. But did she place a call to Mike Helton or King Brian? No, she went thru channels which is her fault. But maybe calling France or Helton never even crossed her mind. That far down the totem pole you don’t always think of that as even an option. Waiting 2 years…hmmmmm… that is not kosher either. But even if HALF of her allegations are true, heads SHOULD roll.
225 Million??? I am always very hesitant to take lawsuits like this at face value. I have already read several columnists who have said that Nascar should just settle out of court. This is not about justice, it’s about money, a LOT of money.
Thanks for the good read. I think it’s the most unbiased article I’ve read all week. I’ve been appalled by the many ignorant comments written (not here), and unless you’ve experienced the situation, you really don’t understand. As a “woman of color” working in a male-dominant industry, I too have experienced the same type of harrassment.
People are asking, “why did she put up with it for 3 years?” If she’s anything like me, it’s because she worked hard to learn her craft, loved her job, and was d***** good at it. She was just unfortunate to be surrounded by a bunch of insensitive numbskulls. SHE knew she could run with the big dogs. She wanted to prove it but her coworkers wouldn’t allow it. I am guessing that’s why she persevered.
“How can she remember all those things that happened so long ago?” Documentation of individual incidents is not uncommon. Ms. Grant may not have known that her notes would be used in a suit against her former employers; she probably kept track to bring it to the attention of her supervisor/s. For Brian France to say that she did not follow proper channels is absolutely ludicrous. Pull your head out!
“Why did she wait 9 months before she filed her lawsuit?” I dunno, maybe she was busy birthin’ babies. (Insert sarcasm here.) Judging by the extent and specifivity of the lawsuit (some 40+ pages worth) things like this don’t happen overnight. I wouldn’t be surprised either if the lawyers closed shop during the holidays. I don’t think this time lapse is unheard of.
“Why is she asking for so much money?” Ya know how when you’re selling your house (or your car, whatever), you always ask for more than you expect to collect? Same type of thing. Besides, it’s difficult to put a price on victimization.
I wish Mauricia Grant the best of luck in her proceedings, and thank her for having the strength to fight the good fight.
Thanks Melissa.
For all we know, her lawyers have been on the case for months and doing their due diligence before the suit was filed. Happens all the time folks. Settling out of court would be akin to admitting to guilt — and look worse for NASCAR. NASCAR needs to face this head on at 200 mph. Either her case will prevail or it won;t. If it does, NASCAR needs to act. that is my main point. Wanna get away from the good ol’ boy stereotype? Sitting on stage in NYC in December ain’t the way to do it. You have to live it all year long. Put your money where your silver spoon be hanging from dawg.
From the article, “The officials named in the suit should all be put on probation/administrative leave or whatever until this is settled. If a driver can be fined thousands of dollars for slip of the tongue, then these guys should be held just as accountable.”
Why should the accused people be put on probation or administrative leave? This is punishing the ALLEGED offenders before the matter is settled. I thought in this country you were INNOCENT until PROVEN GUILTY!
Now, if any or all of the people mentioned in the suit are found to be guilty of the offenses named in the suit, the book should be thrown at them!!!
Its just hard to belive that a santioning body like NASCAR, who fines thier drivers for cussing would allow this awful type of behavior. But unfortunatly it happens. My heart goes out to this young lady, it must have been a nightmare putting up with all that stupid crap. Im a full blown hillbilly, and proud of it. I am a working pro musician and get ragged and made fun of cause I talk funny, and everybody thinks Im something out of the movie Deliverance. Its really hard sometimes cause I am just being who and what I am, a HILLBILLY! I know my distress is just a drop in the bucket compared to what this young lady has endured because shes just being who and what she is! Shame Nascar, your family image just came into question! I feel your pain sister!
Acer — it is common practice to suspend or put people on probation in many cases. Yes, you are innocent until proven guilty, but to remove people from an acerbic situation sometimes can bring a sense of calm and isolation to the incident while under investigation.
And FYI — 2 officials WERE suspended this weekend but NASCAR will not comment on the why and wherefore of the situation. Typical, but also not uncommon during an investigation where a lawsuit is pending.