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My instinct tells me that the majority of people who fly the rebel flag do so in a show of southern pride. NASCAR originated in the South and is still largely a southern sport, with tracks and drivers concentrated heavily in the North Carolina area.

Obviously, the flag is laden with more meaning than just "the South." It's a stinging reminder to many of an awful time-period.

Sensitive Southerners should probably refrain from flying the stars and bars, but they certainly don't have to. We can't regulate everyone's behavior.

I can tell you why they 'aren't' flying it. They aren't flying it because they are proud of their Southern heritage. If that were the case, there'd be more of them flying because I know plenty of proud Southerners and there isn't a one of them that flies that flag.

Well if Mr. France actually paid attention to his history class he will find out that the confederate flag had nothing to do with the color of skin. It had to do with the South trying to secede from the union. It's all about pride not hatred. And I'm a damn yankee to boot! My blog on my yahoo 360 goes into this debate further. Thanks.

Maybe young Mr. France should ask why his grandfather had a race on the schedule that was called "The Rebel 500" and why was the flag in the race logo?

Oh boy, politically correct racing. When that first race on Staten Island is called the
Hillary 300 I'm done.

I had a spirited debate on this subject at Full Throttle last week. Mark brings up a good point about the Rebel 500. The flag IS part of NASCAR history. And my guess is the majority of those that still fly it at NASCAR events are just paying respects to that history.

The fact that it has racial overtones is a separate issue. And it is an issue because of the political hacks and hate mongers that want to keep it alive for political gain.

Lemme throw out a couple of things.

First, an observation. France handled the question, from a PR standpoint, pretty well. His I-don't-look-favorably-at-the-Confederate-flag is a signal to NASCAR's newcomers -- Northerners, West Coasters, racial and ethnic minorities. He's saying he doesn't like the flag. Okay, got it.

His I-can't-tell-people-which-flag-to-fly was addressed at NASCAR's Southern (i.e. traditional) fan base. I took it to mean he's not going to do anything about the Confederate flags that fly in the infield and surrounding campgrounds.

So, a hypothetical, sort of what I was getting at above: ISC, Brian's sister's company, owns a lot of the tracks. Suppose ISC bans the flag on all clothing and gear on its property. That covers Daytona, 'Dega, Martinsville, Richmond, Michigan, California and several others.

So how might the fans react? How might you react? Does this play better in NASCAR's new markets? Does it play at all in the South? Does it matter?

Well I just said it to myself, let me see if I can type it.....

A dress code at the track.

Heh, a track dress code will go over real well! My one request? Men and women must wear shirts that cover their whole belly and most of the chest area at all times.