DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) -- Darlington Raceway will give out American flags to those who want to turn in a Confederate flag, continuing an initiative that began in Daytona soon after nine people were killed at a church in Charleston.
Beneath the old Confederate States flag, a fan watches the racers flash past the wall during the NASCAR Winston Cup Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 at the Darlington Raceway, Darlington, South Carolina, March 18, 2001. (Image source: Donald Miralle/ALLSPORT)
Track president Chip Wile says he hopes fans attending the Southern 500 on Sunday will "join us in creating an inclusive atmosphere" at NASCAR's oldest superspeedway.
Darlington Raceway owners, International Speedway Corp., began the flag exchange at the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway in July. Other ISC tracks have followed suit.
The Confederate flag has been flown by some fans at Darlington races for decades. The state of South Carolina removed the Confederate flag from Statehouse grounds in July.
Dylann Roof has been charged with murder in the Charleston church killings.
