(Photos by Jesse Wardarski/TulsaWorld.com) – Being a race driver in the modern world is a whole lot different than it used to be. One of the biggest stories from the 34th running of the Chili Bowl in Tulsa, Oklahoma has been the that of Michael Faccinto, a racer from California who has been summarily yanked out of the race by his sponsor, Tulsa Sod and Mulch. Following his race on Tuesday night, Faccinto appeared on the RacinBoys.com pay per view broadcast of the event and made comments that caused his removal. At this time we have not heard exactly what he said but it was bad enough that he made this apology on Twitter:
“I want to apologize for my actions after embarrassing the race during my interview,” Faccinto wrote. “It’s embarrassing and unacceptable and not how I want to represent my team.”
Tulsa Sod and Mulch, after pulling Faccinto published the following statement:
“Tulsa Sod & Mulch is more than a sod and landscape business,” President James Moran said. “It’s a company that supports the local racing community every chance it gets. This year we had the honor to team up with Dav Mac Motorsports at the 34th Annual Chili Bowl. As a team, we have made the decision to pull the Tulsa Sod & Mulch No. 08 Michael Faccinto entry for the remainder of the Chili Bowl. We are truly sorry for anyone who has been offended by a comment made following the final race on Tuesday night’s A Feature event.”
So the major question surrounds exactly what was said. At this moment we do not know but we’re working to find out. Because of the vague nature of both the apology and the release statement, we’re guessing it was pretty far off the rails.
Over the years racers have said and done some wild stuff but in 2020 when everyone has a camera, someone is always watching, and sensitivities to social pressures and expectations are everything, each and every word that comes out of someone’s mouth carries potential consequences. No one knows that better than Michael Faccinto today.
SpeedSport.com – Sponsor Pulls Faccinto From 34th Chili Bowl
TulsaWorld.com – California racer Faccinto withdrawn by Tulsa Sod and Mulch
He said ” I don’t think it’s a big deal to run an LS in a Ford.”
Obviously the level of panty twist called for his expulsion.
You just can’t use the “N” word…in any way shape or form.
He didn’t mean it like…most people would think…he was using it as a descriptive term…as to what happened to him late in the race.
But, that doesn’t mean, he should get a pass. Sponsors don’t, want to hear that word, come out of their drivers word…under any circumstance.
Speech is free. The repercussions to that speech are also free. Sponsor doesn\’t like what you said – YOU ARE GONE!
The use of the \”N\” word for ANY reason, before during or after ANY race is unacceptable..plain and simple!. Whether you are from CA, TN, OK, or ANY part of the USA, you will pay the consequences for being so stupid to do so.
Black people can say it all the time without repercussions. I\’m sick of the double standards inflicted upon white conservatives. That being said it wasn\’t a professional thing to do.
What is the big deal? What he said could have meant something completely different to racism. Anyway black people sing it in songs on itunes and radio ect. (which white people listen and sing to) and even call themselves that? But someone always has to play to racism card.
I agree and am sick of all this sensitivity that we have become !! just another way of bleeding heart liberals to try and form a nation of idiots !!! let people say what they want with no apologies needed period !!!
You sir speak the truth …..
So you\’re saying that we all should be judged by the dumbest, most racist idiots among us, color notwithstanding? And because of \”free speech\” we should be able to utter any racist, anti-Semitic or other imbecilic word \”because they do it\”? Isn\’t that the excuse of five-year-olds?
And do you really think the majority of black Americans are comfortable with so-called \”rappers\” using racist/sexist/idiotic language in search of their 90% white audiences? Note to you: they are not.
When I grew up, all kids learned a phrase from parents who wanted them to grow up strong. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”. THAT should be required teaching from kindergarden forward!
My dad, was the son of Slovak immigrants, and all his friends were the kids of, or immigrants themselves. They called each other every name in the book, and I mean EVERY name. And they were inseperble best friends, who would do anything for each other. The pussification of Americans today is apalling! The use of the word nigger by anyone is totally acceptable, especially when considering how racist assholes have made it acceptable by only one race, as long as they use it phonetically rather than properly, ie, “nigga”. Screw PC, let’s accept that people get called names, lets let our skins grow a bit tougher.
Most of what you guys say is true. Faccinto has a right to say anything he wants. Maybe he isn\’t a racist, it doesn\’t matter.
He is representing a business where appearance and actions do count. Faccinto has to realize that although he can say what he wants, there are consequences. Maybe what he said doesn\’t matter to me or you, but it will offend many. No business wants to be identified as associating with anyone who gives the appearance of racism.
That\’s the way it is. Papa John paid the price, Hallmark Channel paid the price, and many others. It\’s a business decision.
Faccinto does NOT “have a right to say anything he wants to” if he’s actually a man. That’s a kid’s excuse. As to his not being a racist, a better man than you or I said “If it isn’t in your heart, it can’t come out of your mouth”. Good enough?
Most of what you guys say is true. Faccinto has a right to say anything he wants. Maybe he isn’t a racist, it doesn’t matter.
He is representing a business where appearance and actions do count. Faccinto has to realize that although he can say what he wants, there are consequences. Maybe what he said doesn’t matter to me or you, but it will offend many. No business wants to be identified as associating with anyone who gives the appearance of racism.
That’s the way it is. Papa John paid the price, Hallmark Channel paid the price, and many others. It’s a business decision.
I respect the decision of the sponsor while still loving the Driver for his talent but when i made a mess of my life it was not anyones fault but mine and so I took it to God for his input and have become a better person because of my mistake . I wish the same for this Driver.
Chapkain Bill Beck
People need to grow a thicker skin, bunch of damn pansies.
Stupid to fire him…. PC crap is getting OLD
Don\’t buy the sponsors products if you disagree.
So you’re saying that we all should be judged by the dumbest, most racist idiots among us, color notwithstanding? And because of “free speech” we should be able to utter any racist, anti-Semitic or other imbecilic word “because they do it”? Isn’t that the excuse of five-year-olds?
And do you really think the majority of black Americans are comfortable with so-called “rappers” using racist/sexist/idiotic language in search of their 90% white audiences? Note to you: they are not.