NASCAR Says No to The General Lee, But Are They Saying Something Else to Others

Professional golfer, Bubba Watson, with his recently purchased "General Lee"

There has been a recent stir over NASCAR’s decision to ban the Confederate flag for a sanctioned event.

NASCAR recently decided to prohibit PGA golfer, Bubba Watson, from driving the famous ‘General Lee’ from the popular show, The Dukes of Hazards, at a NASCAR sanctioned event during the parade laps at Phoenix International Raceway.

Watson purchased the car in January at the Barrett-Jackson automobile auction for $110,000. Watson claimed his purchase to be his, “dream car,” and he was excited to drive the famous car on the track before the start of a NASCAR race.

 NASCAR and track officials originally invited Watson to be an honorary starter for the Sprint Cup race on March 4, in Phoenix, Arizona. However, after realizing the most obvious image on the car, a Confederate flag on the roof, NASCAR quickly changed its decision and informed Watson that the car was not appropriate to be on the track.

“The image of the Confederate Flag is not something that should play an official role in our sport as we continue to reach out to new fans and make NASCAR more inclusive,” was the statement from NASCAR.

It is sad that in the year 2012, people are still worried about things that are out of our control. History should not be changed for a particular group of people or a particular type of fan because NASCAR doesn’t want to offend anyone. What are these people going to think when they drive through the campsites at the tracks? Hmmm.

If memory serves me correct, there are plenty of Confederate flags flying around all the NASCAR racetracks during a race weekend. What is different from one or two parade laps around the track in the General Lee?

NASCAR, for years has tried to get away from the stereotype of being a “redneck sport.” The rejection of Bubba Watson pacing the field in the Confederate-laced General Lee was a direct attempt by NASCAR to alienate itself from its long portrayed image.

 Would it be different if Watson used The General Lee to burn doughnuts or perform a crazy stunt on pit road rather lead the field? Possibly, but it shouldn’t matter. As a black (African-American) male, I believe that people have to get over their assumptions and realize that things aren’t always what they seem. We can’t continue to blame the past for how we feel about things today.

NASCAR has attempted to bring in a new wave of fans by distancing itself from things like the Confederate flag and other racial issues. The decision to ban Bubba Watson from driving the General Lee at Phoenix International Raceway was made by NASCAR and officials so there wouldn’t be any backlash. Did they forget about the fans that they actually have now?

Yes, a few months down the road people will forget that this was ever an issue. But, to NASCAR’s discredit, if they are banning the General Lee, are they banning all Confederate flags at NASCAR events? I highly doubt it.

As one of the few black fans of NASCAR, surprisingly I am a supporter of Watson driving the General Lee as a symbol for The Dukes of Hazard. It is 2012 people. When are we going to get over the past and quit using racial biases to sway our thoughts and reasons we want to complain about NASCAR for being a redneck sport?

The car was the main symbol of the show, meaning it wouldn’t be the first time we have seen it. There were not protests when the movie came out a few years ago, there wouldn’t be any protests in Phoenix.

Perhaps NASCAR made the right decision, no one really knows. I just know that for me, things like the General Lee do not offend me. After all, I am a NASCAR fan!

NASCAR fans are use to the sound of roaring engines, the speed of fast cars, and an appreciation for their driver(s). Bubba Watson and the General Lee would have given NASCAR fans something else to have an appreciation for, even more another lasting memory.

As a loyal fan of the sport, and a member of the group NASCAR is trying to target, listen to me when I say “we can’t please them all.” There is always that one person that will have a problem with something no matter what you do.

Alan Jackson once wrote the song, Where I Come From. I don’t want to eat cornbread and chicken, but I try not to forget the moral of this song. I wish NASCAR would do the same.

This article was written by Dontae Allen, an avid NASCAR fan. Everything above is strictly my personal opinion and those opinions are not shared by NASCAR or any of its affiliates. I love and want all types of feedback (positive, negative, the whole 9 yards). I can be reached through this blog post or you can find me on Twitter @Dontae_Allen   . Thanks for reading.