Sports represent all sections of a society and community. It is a platform that allows individuals to engage and entertain their fans and is not restricted by the biases or the norms that differentiate them. June is celebrated as Pride month, thus allowing fans to better connect with sport and make it more inclusive. And, NASCAR has also been contributing to the movement as they affirmed their support for the LGBTQI+ community via their social media handles.

NASCAR, via its official X account, stated, “Happy Pride 🏳️‍🌈! NASCAR is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community. Follow along as we highlight stories of those who have impacted our sport. #PrideMonth.” However, NASCAR’s support for the community is not a new initiative. Over the past few years, the governing council has taken several measures to further make the sport more inclusive.

NASCAR has its very own Pride-themed merchandise lineup, an initiative that started only in recent years. Moreover, Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman’s #48 Chevy car also sported the special Pride paint scheme back in the 2022 season. Even NASCAR President, Steve Phelps, has been vocal about how the sport has not been welcoming and inclusive of the LGBTQI+ community in the past.

However, the announcement by NASCAR was received with a backlash that has continued in recent years. But, this isn’t going to dampen the spirits of the limited pool of drivers representing the LGBTQI+ community.

New year, same old story, but there is a slow but steady change

Last year, similar scenes unfolded as the internet was buzzing with NASCAR’s announcement to support the LGBTQI+ community with their Pride Month celebrations. Many even threatened to boycott the sport, but nothing of the sort happened, as NASCAR is continuing to run successfully. Moreover, they are now starting to create a more inclusive environment, allowing everyone with a shared passion for racing, to contribute to the sport.

It is difficult for an entity like NASCAR to take a tough stand against cultural norms, yet they choose to defy the odds. Stephen Rhodes, the first openly gay driver in NASCAR, wasn’t too concerned about the negativity that was aimed at NASCAR. “So, for all the fans that are leaving, I guarantee that there is just as much many coming,” he said, via Queen City News.

Expecting a backlash on NASCAR’s stance to support drivers like him, he further stated, “You know, just reading through some of the comments, I kept seeing things like, ‘blocked,’ the words ‘bye.’ ‘Fan lost,’ And I’ve said for years and years that NASCAR, to be relevant again, that it was going to need to make some changes.” Change is indeed inevitable, and NASCAR is known to be prone to it.

The raging discussion over the Pride Month celebration will repeat the pattern. But the most important thing is that, amid this disagreement and confusion, the sporting spirit should remain intact. NASCAR is continuing to strive to be more inclusive, without any discrimination or bias.