NASCAR has released a whole range of Pride Month merchandise, and it’s prompted a very mixed reaction online.
The range features T-shirts with slogans such as “Yaaascar” and “Love Wins” in rainbow lettering.
The organization posted messages to social media on Wednesday with links to the range.
It follows a tweet it posted at the start of Pride Month pledging a commitment to supporting diversity.
As we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, we acknowledge that recent actions have not aligned with NASCAR’s mission to be a welcoming sport for all.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to create a more inclusive environment — in our workplaces, at the race track & in the stands. pic.twitter.com/r0h232xaXd
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 1, 2022
The reference to “recent actions” not aligning with NASCAR’s mission to welcome all is believed to be down to the fact that Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) waved the green flag ahead of the May 22 All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway.
In February, Abbott called for state agencies to investigate gender-affirming treatments on transgender teenagers. Although not explicit, most took the tweet as NASCAR admitting Abbott’s involvement with the pre-race rituals had been a mistake.
Related: Postmates marks Pride month with bottom-friendly food menus
NASCAR’s new Pride range earned praise from many.
I admire that NASCAR is evolving even though it’s base is probably not happy about it. They are on the right side of history!
— Jim Dorf (@jimdorf) June 15, 2022
just saw 10 men in walmart with let’s go brandon shirts fall to their knees screaming https://t.co/jkTWZP87YG
— 💫 tribe da ripper 💫 (@stilltribematic) June 16, 2022
corporate pride is okay when it’s objectively hilarious like this https://t.co/XL3tgoaojA
— simone! (@parasocialyte) June 16, 2022
On Facebook, one fan said, “THANK YOU! My 10-year-old self is so happy and gets emotional seeing the acceptance in something I’ve loved for so long! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜”
However, predictably, some of the sport’s fans were less than impressed.
no longer a fan of nascar after i saw this
— Blizz (@NotBlizzzo) June 15, 2022
If you want everybody to be like everybody else then why do you have to point out that you’re not like everybody else by wearing special things and colors and flags
— LameGamer (@TheLameXGamer) June 16, 2022
You just keep giving the finger to your base.
— Jeremy Wood (@BubbaF100) June 15, 2022
Wtf is a yascar
— Dяew‼️knower of stock car racing (@Drewthedude11) June 15, 2022
Related: First openly gay NASCAR driver talks racing, homophobic fans, and vodka cranberries
On Facebook, one commentator warned off eternal damnation: “These people will have to stand before God one day and have to explain themselves. Money doesn’t last forever, eternity does!”
And others just found the whole thing hilarious.
i would recommend to those saying this alienates you as a fan to give drag racing a try because i hear it is all straight over there
— Zach Halverson (@ZachHalverson) June 15, 2022
Sweetie we can’t tell the difference between a Toyota & a Nissan so we definitely not watching nascar!
— ✨ (@heyjaeee) June 15, 2022
BREAKING NEWS: Gay people exist and right wing NASCAR fans are furious, more tonight at 9
— Chris Overland (@ChrisOverland47) June 15, 2022
Covid Hermit
Isn’t this one of the signs of the apocalypse?
Jim
NASCAR realizes that if they depend on their old base they’ll soon be extinct
Creamsicle
Yeah. Can’t sell tickets to people incarcerated for storming the Capitol Building. Time to get that pink dollar!
Kangol2
Are most of NASCAR’s base upper middle class and rich because those people who stormed the capital as part of Don the Con’s failed coup attempt predominantly were!
radiooutmike
NASCAR ain’t my thing, but if you are a gay NASCAR this is good news, no how capitalistic it is.
whereshouldistart
“If you want everybody to be like everybody else then why do you have to point out that you’re not like everybody else by wearing special things and colors and flags”
Like red MAGA hats and trump flags?
Scribe38
Husband loves Nascar. I don’t get it but I love him anyway and try not to roll my eyes too long when he turns on a race