April 13, 2020 | By Lee Spencer

Kyle Larson takes to Twitter to apologize for racial slur

On Monday afternoon, via Twitter, Chip Ganassi Racing driver Kyle Larson apologized for the racial slur he used during Sunday night’s iRacing event at virtual Monza.

Larson used the N-word during a conversation between drivers and spotters on the live-streaming Twitch service, to which the public also has access. Team owner Chip Ganassi suspended the 27-year-old driver of the No. 42 NASCAR Cup Series Chevrolet on Monday, and NASCAR followed by suspending Larson indefinitely from competition in its events under its member conduct guidelines.

“I just want to say I’m sorry,” Larson said via video on Twitter. “Last night I made a mistake and said the word that should never, ever be said. There’s no excuse for that. I wasn't raised that way. You know, it’s just an awful thing to say. I feel very sorry for my family, my friends, my partners, the NASCAR community and especially the African-American community.

“I understand the damage is probably unrepairable—and I own up to that. But I just want to let you all to know how sorry I am. And I hope everyone is staying safe during these crazy times. Thank you.”

During the iRacing event, which featured drivers from multiple racing series, Larson, the reigning champion of the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals and a six-time winner for CGR in the Cup Series first asked if anyone could hear him.

Larson then said the N-word, and one driver soon cautioned him by saying, “Kyle, you’re talking to everyone, bud.”

Both Chip Ganassi Racing and NASCAR issued statements condemning Larson’s language and announcing the suspensions.

Larson is in the final year of an eight-year deal with Ganassi and has been considered the most coveted NASCAR free agent available this year.