Some Confederate flags flown during NASCAR race – Atlanta Journal Constitution

Green and checkered flags weren’t the only ones flying at Kentucky Speedway on Saturday.

Despite NASCAR’s request to refrain from displaying the Confederate flag, some were visible during NASCAR’s triple-header weekend featuring the Camping World Truck Series, Xfinity Series and Sprint Cup races. Some racing fans in the campgrounds said they displayed the Confederate flag in direct response to being asked not to.

Kentucky Speedway officials did not ask fans to take down their Confederate flags. They did encourage fans to turn them in.

“Essentially what we’re doing is an exchange program with the American flag, with your favorite driver’s flag and also a Kentucky Speedway flag,” said Tim Bray, Kentucky Speedway’s director of communications.

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Bray wasn’t aware of any fans who took advantage of the three-for-one offer.

He also wasn’t aware of any incidents involving the Confederate flag.

“In 15 years here I’ve never had any issues,” Bray said, “and we certainly stand by the statement all the SMI and ISC tracks put out last week. We’re abiding by that.”

NASCAR released a statement July 2 asking fans to keep the Confederate flag at home. Part of it said: “We are committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere free of offensive symbols. This is an opportunity for NASCAR Nation to demonstrate its sense of mutual respect and acceptance for all who attend our events while collectively sharing the tremendous experience of NASCAR racing.”

The 13 International Speedway Corporation tracks, eight Speedway Motorsports Inc. tracks (including Kentucky) and other tracks including Eldora Speedway, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and Indianapolis Motor Speedway also signed the statement.

Tribute to 24: In addition to the 96 bottles of bourbon presented to Jeff Gordon on Friday, Kentucky Speedway gave tribute to Gordon with a large billboard in Turn 2. The blue billboard pictured Gordon, his No. 24 car number and simply stated, “Thank You.”

This is Gordon’s final season of racing.

X marks spot: Brad Keselowski continued his march through the Xfinity Series career wins list with his 33rd in 220 starts late Friday night.

Keselowski is in fifth place overall. Kyle Busch leads the series with 70 wins. Mark Martin (49), Kevin Harvick (46) and Carl Edwards (38) follow.

“It’s a cool stat and I didn’t know it was coming,” Keselowski said. “Whose fourth? And how many ahead are they?”