NASCAR star Kyle Larson uses racial slur during virtual race

NASCAR star Kyle Larson used a racial slur on a live stream during a virtual race — second driver in a week to draw scrutiny while using online racing platform to fill time during coronavirus pandemic.

Larson was competing in an iRacing event Sunday night when he appeared to lose communication on his headset with his spotter. During a check of his microphone, he said, “You can't hear me?” That was followed by N-word.

Bubba Wallace one week earlier “r quit” an official NASCAR iRacing event televised live nationally and his sponsor fired him immediately. Wallace had been wrecked, and, fed up, quit game and admitted it was out of anger on Twitter. Blue-Emu, a topical pain reliever who had sponsored Wallace for virtual race and has an association with him for real, replied to tweet firing Wallace.

It was t clear Monday morning what fallout re could be for Larson.

Larson is half Japanese — his grandparents spent time in an interment camp in California — and he climbed from short track racing into NASCAR through its “Drive for Diversity” program. He is only driver of Japanese descent to win a major NASCAR race.

Larson, in his seventh full season in NASCAR, is in final year of his contract with Chip Ganassi Racing. He was at top of list of a crowded free nt field when circuit was suspended four races into season as sports stopped during coronavirus crisis.

NASCAR quickly pivoted to create an iRacing league of virtual racing that has engd viewers and set records for esports television viewership. One of draws of platform is that drivers can link into one ar on a live stream, where y banter, argue, make jokes and discuss racing. Fans can eavesdrop through gaming app Twitch.

Larson used slur during a Sunday night race for fun against drivers from various series. event was t part of NASCAR’s official series.

Drivers in chat immediately reacted to Larson’s use of slur, with one instantly alerting him, “Kyle, you’re talking to everyone, bud.” Ors were in disbelief.

Larson and Chip Ganassi Racing had immediate comment Monday. Larson has six career Cup wins and finished a career-best sixth in standings last season. He is 27 and married far of two young children.

Among his sponsors at Ganassi are McDonalds and Credit One Bank.

He is considered one of top sprint car racers in country and in January finally won prestigious Chili Bowl after 13 attempts.