NASCAR and RealResponse announced a partnership that will roll out a new anonymous reporting network for NASCAR drivers, crew, and team personnel that aims to make the sport “more inclusive.”
Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Elliott race to the end of Stage 1 in the Yellawood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway via NASCAR YouTube
In a press release RealResponse detailed that the partnership with NASCAR “will provide any NASCAR national series team member with the ability to confidentially reach out to express concerns or report issues via a customized communication tool.”
“NASCAR personnel receive the encrypted and anonymous messages directly and designate a subject matter expert to respond immediately to the concern,” they elaborated.
Ross Chastain and Chase Elliott via NASCAR YouTube
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As for what people will be reporting, RealResponse explained, “Concerns can range from competition-based items such as gambling or integrity, safety and security, abuse or harassment, or for seeking mental health support.”
They asserted, “The identity of the industry member reaching out is protected through the RealResponse reporting program, ensuring anonymity.”
Erik Jones, Cole Custer, Austin Dillon, Tyler Reddick, and Chase Briscoe via NASCAR YouTube
NASCAR Managing Director of Racing Operations Meghan Miley also relayed, “NASCAR wanted to be proactive in providing a tool for industry members such as drivers, crew and other team personnel to safely reach out for help.”
She added, “In partnering with RealResponse, we now have a confidential method for reporting. We don’t have a limit to the types of reports industry members can submit, and we can ensure their privacy as they reach out for anonymous support at any time.”
The Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course via NASCAR on FOX
RealResponse Founder and CEO David Chadwick indicated the partnership will make NASCAR “more inclusive.”
He stated, “We are honored to engage in this historic partnership with NASCAR. NASCAR executives recognize the responsibility to make the sport of racing safer, more inclusive and more valuable in the eyes every stakeholder involved in the sport.”
“Their embrace of RealResponse sends a clear message that the health and safety of its community members away from the track is as important as safety of drivers on race day.” he concluded.
Cole Custer, Chase Elliott, and Erik Jones at The Busch Light Class at The Coliseum via NASCAR YouTube
This new partnership comes after NASCAR was heavily criticized by drivers such as Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr., and others regarding the safety of the Next Gen car that was rolled out at the beginning of the year.
It also comes in the wake of NASCAR officials cooking up a hoax regarding driver Bubba Wallace that a noose was left on top of his car when in reality it was really a garage door pull. FBI spokesman Paul Daymond told CNN, “It’s my understanding that the rope was fashioned into a noose knot and used as a door pull.”
Wallace and NASCAR have refused to apologize for using the hoax to attack the sports’ fans.
Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway via NASCAR YouTube
Instead Wallace doubled down on the hoax telling CNN, “I’m pissed. I’m mad because people are trying to test my character and the person that I am and my integrity. They’re not stealing that away from me, but they’re just trying to test it.”
He later told Lemon, “It was a noose. Whether tied in 2019 or whatever, it was a noose. So, it wasn’t directed at me but somebody tied a noose. That’s what I’m saying.”
NASCAR President Steve Phelps also doubled down on the claims saying in a statement after the FBI concluded no crime was committed, “As you can see from the photo, the noose was real, as was our concern for Bubba. With similar emotion, others across our industry and our media stood up to defend the NASCAR family. Our NASCAR family. Because they are part of the NASCAR family, too. We are proud to see so many stand up for what’s right.”
He added, “Our ultimate conclusion for this investigation is to ensure that this never happens again, that no one walks by a noose without recognizing the potential damage it can do. Going forward, our efforts are best spent on making sure every competitor feels safe and every guest feels welcome. I would also like to reinforce that what we did see at Talladega in pre-race on Monday, our drivers, crews and officials proudly demonstrated that we are united in the belief that there is no place for racism in our sport.”
Door pull claimed to be a noose by Bubba Wallace and NASCAR
What do you make of this new partnership between NASCAR and RealResponse?
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