After an inappropriate word was used by NASCAR Camping World Truck Series rookie Hailie Deegan, NASCAR will send her to sensitivity training as a result of her actions.
The incident was caught on camera on Sunday night when Deegan was participating in an iRacing event that was live streamed on her own Twitch channel.
During an iRacing event, Deegan was pacing under caution when a fellow competitor bumped into the rear of her car, prompting Deegan to ask “Who is the r****d behind me? Don’t do that please.” The video was shared on social media platforms almost instantly.
@HailieDeegan, you tried to delete it, but weren't quick enough. You're a disgrace. @FordPerformance, @MonsterEnergy, @dgr_racing, is this who you want representing you? pic.twitter.com/AcOjJoGCAd
— Lars0nfan42🏳️🌈 (@Melon_4234) January 11, 2021
As a result, the NASCAR social media scene immediately called Deegan out for her use of the word, with an apology coming from the driver shortly after on Twitter. Fans began to tag NASCAR, her team, and her sponsor Monster Energy for disciplinary action against the 19-year-old.
Shortly after the stream, Deegan tweeted an apology, calling it “a stupid thing to do.”
Earlier tonight I used an insensitive word during an online race being broadcast on twitch. It was inappropriate slang and a stupid thing to do. I apologize to everyone who was offended by it. There's no excuse for it, and I know I have to do better for my sponsors and my fans.
— Hailie Deegan (@HailieDeegan) January 11, 2021
Additionally, the Twitch broadcast of the event has been removed from her channel, likely due to the use of the word.
Ford Performance released a statement on Monday regarding the incident, stating the following: “We are aware of this inappropriate comment. Hailie immediately acknowledged this mistake, has apologized and promised to be much more thoughtful in the future.”
This is the second time a NASCAR driver has been caught using an inappropriate word on Twitch during a live stream within the last year. Back in April, NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson uttered a racial slur that cost him his ride at Chip Ganassi Racing in the No. 42 Camaro.
The rising star made her NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut at Kansas where she finished 16th. Additionally, it was confirmed that day that Deegan would move to the Truck Series full-time in 2021 at David Gilliand Racing, with backing from Ford Performance.
