DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Daytona International Speedway will not ban the Confederate flag from track property this weekend, but will offer an American flag in exchange for those who wish to fly it on property.
Daytona President Joie Chitwood said Tuesday the speedway will offer an exchange program in which fans can trade a flag for the American flag. Daytona hosts NASCAR races on Saturday and Sunday nights this weekend.
"So fans who would like to fly the American flag, we'll trade with you with whatever flag you have. We want you to celebrate that flag this weekend, that's what important," Chitwood said. "We have to look at where that other flag goes, it has no place in our sport."
Chitwood said there's not enough time to plan and enforce a ban on the Confederate flag, which NASCAR chairman Brian France does not want flying at NASCAR events.
NASCAR has taken a strong stance against the flag since nine black churchgoers were slain in Charleston, South Carolina on June 17. The suspect in the case, Dylann Roof, embraced Confederate symbols before the attack.
Chitwood said Speedway officials plan to revisit its policy on Confederate flags, but wanted to allow them this weekend since fans have already purchased their tickets to the event.