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NASCAR quietly limiting gun ads

Cars in the pits during a race.
Cars in the pit at Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series on Sept. 08 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NASCAR rejected multiple advertisements from firearms companies this summer, muddling the racing organization's stance on Second Amendment issues, according to CNN.

Why it matters: Gun enthusiasts and manufacturers told CNN the rejections stunned them and they fear NASCAR is silently joining the chorus of companies calling for action on gun control and changing their internal policies on guns following recent mass shootings.

Context: NASCAR partners with retailers including Gander Outdoors and Bass Pro Shops, which both sell guns, and gun manufacturer Henry Repeating Arms, but other gun distributors and manufacturers said the company rejected advertisements that depicted assault-style rifles or sniper rifles.

What they're saying: David Dolbee, general manager for the firearms distributor K-Var Corp., told CNN that the rejections do not make sense:

  • "This is a colossal mistake. Do they not understand their own base? They are a sporting organization trying to take sides on a political issue. That never goes well for any company."
  • The National Rifle Association criticized NASCAR in an online post, calling the rejections "a decision that could easily alienate a great many of its most ardent fans."
  • NASCAR has not explained its reasoning behind rejecting the ads.

Go deeper: 145 CEOs urge Senate to pass gun control legislation

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