Kyle Larson out at Chip Ganassi Racing

Kyle Larson is out at Chip Ganassi Racing after saying an inappropriate word during an eNASCAR live streaming race on Twitch Sunday night. The next day, Larson was suspended by not only CGR but also NASCAR. As the day unfolded, sponsors Chevrolet, Credit One Bank and McDonald’s announced they would no longer sponsor Larson’s car.

Statement from Credit One Bank regarding sponsorship of Kyle Larson. pic.twitter.com/SscEVpoz1z — Credit One Bank (@CreditOneBank) April 13, 2020

McDonalds also terminates its relationship with Kyle Larson: #nascar @nascaronfox pic.twitter.com/29rfci2EHW — Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 13, 2020

Chip Ganassi Racing released a statement on releasing Larson, saying, “After much consideration, Chip Ganassi Racing has determined that it will end its relationship with Kyle Larson. As we said before, the comments that Kyle made were both offensive and unacceptable especially given the values of our organization. As we continue to evaluate the situation with all relevant parties, it became obvious that this was the only appropriate course of action to take.”

Statement regarding Kyle Larson: pic.twitter.com/5Q06Dhst8V — Chip Ganassi Racing (@CGRTeams) April 14, 2020

Larson was in his final year with CGR before being released. He did issue an apology on his Twitter account. On Tuesday, the World of Outlaws released a statement allowing Larson to continue to race in the series as long as he completes a sensitivity training. His racing team will not face any penalties and can continue racing once the season resumes.

pic.twitter.com/RPsp7ARIea — Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) April 13, 2020

World of Outlaws statement on Kyle Larson pic.twitter.com/p90hOqJnwt — World of Outlaws (@WorldofOutlaws) April 14, 2020

Legendary late-night host Johnny Carson once said, “You build on failure. You use it as a steppingstone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it. You don’t let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.” Kyle Larson made a mistake and deserves a second chance. He is learning a lesson right now and will bounce back from this. His recent actions won’t hurt him in the long run. In eight years in NASCAR, he has made 223 starts with six wins, 56 top-five finishes, 101 top-ten finishes, and eight poles. There is no question that Larson’s services will be sought either this year or next year.

#NASCARCup