NASCAR Driver Retiring After Confederate Flag Ban

One of the top trending sports stories today comes after the announcement that NASCAR driver, Ray Ciccarelli has retired from racing following the decision from the sport to ban Confederate flags from its properties.

According to Sports Illustrated, Ciccarelli who is a part-time driver and competes in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoor Truck Series announced via Facebook that he would be leaving the sport at the end of the season due to his disagreement with the new policy. Even though Ray Ciccarelli's Facebook announcement post was taken down, sportswriter Gabriel Fernandez captured the post which read, " Well, it's been a fun ride and dream come true but if this is the direction NASCAR is headed, we will not participate after the 2020 season is over." The post, which is available in its entirety on SI, offered additional thoughts by Ciccarelli.

NASCAR announced last week their decision to ban the Confederate flag. Drivers like Bubba Wallace support the ban which he feels will help fight racial injustice.

NASCAR offers in a recent written statement, " The presence of the Confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry."

Ciccarelli has had one top ten finish in the last three years in 2019.