NASCAR Driver Who Lost A Sponsorship Over Remark His Father Made In The ’80s Speaks Out

As you’ve likely heard, NASCAR driver Conor Daly lost a sponsorship over a “racially insensitive” remark his father, Derek Daly, made on the radio back in the ’80s.

“Unfortunately, the comments that surfaced this week by Derek Daly distract from this focus, so we have made the decision that Lilly Diabetes will no longer run the No. 6 at Road America this weekend,” Lilly stated.

Allow me to state this one more time: Derek made the remark like, 30-something years ago. He made the remark BEFORE HIS SON WAS BORN. Additionally, he has apologized. He said the word he used had “different meaning and connotation in his native Ireland,” and he has refrained from using it since then.

He released the following statement:

Last night WISH-TV severed ties with me after former sports broadcaster Bob Lamey apparently inaccurately attributed a racial slur to me during an interview in the early 80’s. It was reported on their web site that I confirmed this. Both of these reports are factually incorrect. On this subject, I was never interviewed by Bob Lamey. The slanderous statements made by Bob, and now being attributed to me, are not only factually incorrect, but offensive.

The facts are: In the early 80’s, after I had recently relocated to the United States, I was interviewed by radio reporter Larry Henry and I was asked about my situation with my new American team. I responded by explaining that I was a foreign driver now in America, driving for an American team, with an American crew, and with an American sponsor – and that if things did not go well, the only “n***** in the wood pile” would be me. At the time, I meant that I, as the new foreigner on the team, would shoulder the blame and I would be the scapegoat. This was not in any way shape or form meant to be a racial slur. This phrase was commonly used in Ireland, Britain, and Australia.

When I used that phrase in the early 80’s, I had no idea that in this country that phrase had a horribly different meaning and connotation, as it was commonplace in Ireland. After moving to the United States, I quickly learned what a derogatory term it was. When I was first informed of this, I was mortified at the offense I might have caused people. I have therefore never used the word since. I made this mistake once, but never again.

As someone lucky enough to travel and work around the world, I have good friends and colleagues from almost every race, nationality, and religion. I have always treated everybody with equal respect and they have done the same with me. Anyone who questions that should talk to them. Similarly, I hope I have demonstrated my character during the past 20 years that I have spent working on television with a range of professionals of all backgrounds.

Finally, I want everyone to know I deeply regret and sincerely apologize for what I said more than three decades ago.

Respectfully, Derek Daly

It’s all incredibly absurd. There’s no reason Conor should be punished over something that happened before he was born.

He’s finally speaking out. His statement is short and classy as it gets.

The last 24hrs have been quite an unnecessarily difficult ride for my family. There is A LOT I want to say… but I’m still here and still racing. I appreciate the support from @roushfenway and ALL of you. @LillyDiabetes has been a big part of my career and Im very thankful. #6

— Conor Daly (@ConorDaly22) August 24, 2018

Classy as heck, right? I’d want to say a LOT more than that.

A very professional, mature response in a frustrating situation. Exactly why @LillyDiabetes should be PROUD to sponsor him. https://t.co/vYKKMEGDHB

— Silver Steves (@shinseiai) August 25, 2018

Classy response as usual buddy! The karma universe owes you guys for this one, keep your head up & right foot down🏁

— Mike Burrell (@mike_burrell) August 25, 2018

And you Conor Daly are a class act and a great driver. Any series, sponsor or team that you race for is lucky to have you. Your fans and especially this one are grateful for you.

— MarkB (@70sRockbest) August 25, 2018

We’re behind you and your family. Hang tough, and good luck Conor.

— Chris Widlic (@Chris_Widlic) August 25, 2018

You and your family do not deserve this

— Dale Burris (@dburris4040) August 25, 2018

Nope. They sure don’t.