A “political stunt” that one NASCAR fan called “sickening” has ignited controversy on social media.
Riley Gaines, a former college swimmer turned outspoken conservative activist, delivered a contentious prayer before a NASCAR race in Austin, Texas, on Sunday.
Gaines, known for her opposition to transgender participation in women’s sports, recently stood alongside former President Donald Trump as he signed an executive order barring trans women and girls from competing in female sports categories. During the invocation, she made a direct reference to Trump while calling for “unity” to bring people together.
“Heavenly Father, bless President Donald J. Trump, his Cabinet, and all of our leaders, that they may seek your guidance in all decisions,” she prayed. “If this is done, we will never be wrong, and America will be made great again.”
Many fans took to social media to criticize Gaines’ overtly partisan prayer, arguing that it damages the sport’s reputation.
“This is my father’s NASCAR. And I don’t mean that in a good way,” one frustrated fan wrote.
Others called on NASCAR to put an end to such “disgraceful” political displays.
“You do realize that your sport is not an excuse for each week to be a Trump Rally?” the Black NASCAR Fans account posted on X, formerly Twitter. “At this point, you might as well let them bring Confederate flags back if you’re going to let @Riley_Gaines_ give a ‘prayer’ like that.”
NASCAR has not yet responded to HuffPost’s request for comment.
