NASCAR distances itself from Donald Trump after remarks

In this June 30, 2015, photo, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump waves as he arrives at a house party in Bedford, N.H. Hispanic leaders are warning of harm to Republican White House hopes unless the party’s presidential contenders do more to condemn Trump, who’s refusing to apologize for calling Mexican immigrants rapists and drug dealers. (AP Photo/Jim Cole) In this June 30, 2015, photo, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump waves as he arrives at a house party in Bedford, N.H. Hispanic leaders are warning of harm to Republican White House hopes unless the party’s presidential contenders do more to condemn Trump, who’s refusing to apologize for calling Mexican immigrants rapists and drug dealers. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

By Associated Press July 3, 2015 2 min read

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) – NASCAR is the latest corporation to distance itself from Donald Trump.

On the same day one of its top sponsors called on NASCAR to take a stance against Trump, the motorsports series said it will not hold its season-ending awards ceremony at the Trump National Doral Miami.

“We looked at everything we saw coming down and what we heard from our sponsors and our partners and what we feel we should be doing, and that’s what led us to the decision today,” NASCAR spokesman David Higdon said Friday at Daytona International Speedway.

A message seeking comment from Trump left by The Associated Press was not immediately returned.

Higdon was responding to a letter released by Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis, whose company is the title sponsor of NASCAR’s Truck Series. Lemonis made it clear he would not attend or participate in the awards ceremony if it’s held at a Trump property. The ceremony was held at Doral last year.