DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Coke Zero 400 is scheduled to start at 7:45 p.m., weather permitting, but this year NASCAR has made some changes.
Officials are encouraging fans to leave their Confederate flags at home.
The request has not stopped people from flying the flag, however.
About half a dozen of the flags were flying by Turn 1, but they were easily outnumbered by people flying the American flag.
Fans said NASCAR is a Southern sport and they wanted to represent their Southern heritage.
“There’s nothing wrong with the Confederate flag. It’s a bunch of people that want to create a lot of problems, unrest in this country,” said fan Jim Little.
Fan Steve Barnier he’s glad to have the freedom to fly the flag.
“The reason we live in this country is to be able to have that freedom to fly the Confederate flag if they so choose,” he said.
In a statement, NASCAR facilities said they are committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere free of offensive symbols.