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IndyCar T-shirt controversy, explained: Why racing company is receiving backlash for 'One Nation, One Race' merch
TL;DR
IndyCar faced backlash for a 'One Nation, One Race' T-shirt meant to celebrate the U.S. 250th anniversary, leading to its removal from the store. The controversy highlights challenges in balancing patriotism and sensitivity in sports merchandise.
Key points
- IndyCar faced backlash for a T-shirt promoting 'One Nation, One Race'.
- The shirt was intended to celebrate the U.S. 250th anniversary.
- IndyCar pulled the merchandise from its store following the controversy.
IndyCar T-shirt controversy, explained: Why racing company is receiving backlash for 'One Nation, One Race' merch originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The IndyCar Series is far from the only sports organization to play a role in recognizing the United States' 250th anniversary this year. From America 250 patches on the Super Bowl jerseys in February to the UFC celebrating with a fight on the White House lawn, the festivities are a simple way to be patriotic without the controversy that typically follows.
IndyCar wasn't able to avoid controversy in its efforts to celebrate the 250th anniversary.
The racing organization pulled a shirt from its store on Wednesday after backlash, with the merch intended to mark August's race around Washington, D.C.
Here's what you need to know about the shirt and why it stirred controversy.
MORE:Full IndyCar schedule for 2026
IndyCar T-shirt controversy
With the Freedom 250 Grand Prix set to take to the streets of the National Mall in the heart of Washington D.C. this summer, IndyCar released merchandise promoting the unprecedented race. One shirt fell flat in the eyes of some fans.
The shirt, which featured Abraham Lincoln wearing a racing helmet, read, "One Nation" in the upper portion and "One Race" below. Some interpreted "One Nation, One Race" as giving off a racist tone, sparking significant backlash on social media.
IndyCar released a statement Wednesday confirming it took down the shirt.
Q&A
What was the controversy surrounding the IndyCar T-shirt?
The controversy stemmed from the 'One Nation, One Race' T-shirt, which faced backlash for its messaging, prompting IndyCar to pull it from their store.
Why did IndyCar create the 'One Nation, One Race' merchandise?
IndyCar created the merchandise to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary and the upcoming race in Washington, D.C.
What other sports organizations have recognized the U.S. 250th anniversary?
Other sports organizations, like the NFL and UFC, have also recognized the anniversary through various patriotic initiatives and events.
