NASCAR driver Kyle Larson is facing massive backlash after using a racial slur during a virtual race streamed live to thousands of viewers on Sunday. The 27-year-old was competing in an iRacing event broadcast to followers on the gaming app Twitch as well as eNASCAR.com when he appeared to lose communication with his spotter via his headset, USA Today reported.
"You can't hear me?" Larson said on the livestream, which has been circulating on social media. "Hey, n***a."
There were 61 other drivers in the virtual race session, three of which were quick to respond.
"Kyle, you’re talking to everyone, bud," one driver replied.
"No way did that just happen," another said while a third simply replied, "Yikes."
Social media was buzzing as Twitter users slammed Larson.
"Worst things people said while playing video games ! get out of here," one posted. Another noted that, while many people were getting laid off amid the coronavirus pandemic, Larson "will deserve it."
Another pointed out that Larson was so quick to use the slur.
"He said it so casually as if he's been saying it all the time. Wow," replied the Twitter user.
As of Monday, no statement was issued and it is unclear what the repercussions for Larson's slip would be.
Larson is half Japanese and has climbed the ranks through NASCAR's "Drive for Diversity" program, according to USA Today. He is the only Japanese driver to win a major NASCAR race and is said to be the top sprint car racer in the U.S. He reached a career high in January when he, after 13 attempts, won the Chili Bowl.
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.