DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Daytona International Speedway is taking more steps to keep the Confederate flag out of the upcoming Coke Zero 400 race.
NASCAR has banned the flag from all of its merchandise following the church shooting in South Carolina. Now, any NASCAR fans who show up with a Confederate flag will be offered to exchange it for an American flag.
For decades, Confederate flags have often flown beside the American flags at NASCAR races around the country. But that is quickly changing.
"We have to look to the future. That's the key to our sport, and by looking to the future, it's about being open and inclusive," track president Joie Chitwood said.
The flag exchange is the first time the Speedway has taken an intiative about the issue.
"We're going to make sure we have those flags available, and should people want to choose that flag, we're going to give you an American Flag to wave versus other flags," Chitwood said.
Fans can opt out and no one will be forced to give up their Confederate flag.
WFTV
