‘Racist,’ ‘Inflammatory’: IndyCar Says Shirt Has Been Removed From Its Online Store

A shirt was removed from IndyCar’s online store on Wednesday after the message on it prompted swift backlash.

The shirt, which read “One Nation” and “One Race,” was released to commemorate an upcoming IndyCar competition that will be held in Washington, D.C., to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. It also featured an image of an IndyCar driver sitting on the Lincoln Memorial.

After the shirt was posted online, people quickly described it as “racist,” “insensitive” and “inflammatory.” Critics questioned how its message was approved in a time of rising white nationalism in America.

The company did not offer many details in a statement.

“A shirt was removed from INDYCAR’s online store following feedback from customers,” IndyCar said. “We understand that some individuals found its phrasing concerning and therefore have remedied the situation.”

The IndyCar race through Washington — dubbed the Freedom 250 Grand Prix — is set to take place in August. Cars will tear down Pennsylvania Avenue and loop around the National Mall as part of celebrations for the nation’s founding.

After last month’s attempt to assassinate members of the Trump administration at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, however, federal law enforcement officials have security concerns about the number of large, outdoor public events the president has planned this year.

President Donald Trump boasted Thursday about plans to host a UFC fight in front of the White House, which is set to take place on his 80th birthday this June.

Sara Boboltz contributed to this story.