NASCAR's Hailie Deegan Apologizes for Using R-Word During Esports Race

NASCAR driver Hailie Deegan apologized for using a slur during a virtual race that was airing on a Twitch stream Sunday night.

"Earlier tonight I used an insensitive word during an online race being broadcast on twitch," she wrote. "It was inappropriate slang and a stupid thing to do. I apologize to everyone who was offended by it.  There's no excuse for it, and I know I have to do better for my sponsors and my fans."

TMZ Sports noted Deegan, 19, could be heard saying, "Who's the r----d behind me? Don't do that, please."

NASCAR announced Monday that Deegan will be required to undergo sensitivity training ahead of the 2021 season.

As Nick Bromberg of Yahoo Sports noted, Deegan is the daughter of motocross legend Brian Deegan and became the first woman to win a NASCAR ARCA Series race in 2018. She finished third in the point standings of NASCAR's ARCA Series in 2020 and is expected to compete in a full season in the Truck Series in 2021.

This is not the first time a NASCAR driver was heard using a slur during an esports race. 

In April, NASCAR suspended Kyle Larson for using the N-word during a race. He was reinstated in October and cleared to return by Jan. 1.