Comments on: Racism and NASCAR

By: Chuck A

Chuck A — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:00:18 +0000

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.

By: Steven

Steven — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 22:46:04 +0000

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!

By: Acer

Acer — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:40:50 +0000

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!!!

By: Chuck A

Chuck A — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:16:32 +0000

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.

By: melissa

melissa — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:12:46 +0000

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.

By: youcandoit

youcandoit — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:31:55 +0000

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.