Arrow McLaren has decided to end its IndyCar alliance with Juncos Hollinger Racing amid continued abuse post Detroit GP incident.
Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team has terminated its commercial alliance with Juncos Hollinger Racing, effective immediately. This decision follows actions that occurred earlier this week on social media in regards to an on-track incident at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix.
As reflected in the team’s social media community code, Arrow McLaren will not tolerate any form of abuse or discrimination and totally condemns the online abuse directed toward our team and driver.
Arrow McLaren statement on June 4 –
The past 24 hours have unfortunately provided our teams with a stark reminder about the necessity for respect and civility in our online interactions. Social media allows us to engage with our fans around the world, but it is important that we interact with each other in a respectful and safe environment.
We will not tolerate any form of abuse or discrimination, and those participating in such actions are not welcome in our online community and will be blocked. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES delivers dynamic action on the racetrack and incredible access for fans, but we must remember that behind the wheel, the pit wall or the monitor, we are all human beings. It is vital that we collectively maintain a safe and welcoming community for all involved.
Theo Pourchaire: “I’m sad I received so much hate and death threats in the last 24 hours for such a small incident in the Detroit GP. I hope people can understand that we are all humans and we can make mistakes. But it’s not normal to abuse people online. Please be kind to each other.”
Juncos statement in support of Arrow McLaren:
Following the racing incident that occurred in Detroit we have seen a rise of online abuse toward our competitors. Abuse, hatred, and harassment in any form is unacceptable. It is not tolerated within the Juncos Hollinger Racing community, and is not representative of who we are as a team. We are working with those affected to identify the individuals responsible, and any violators of this policy will be blocked from the Juncos Hollinger Racing community.
We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all, and believe that no one should be made to feel unwelcome. In racing, we will always hold high regard and respect for each other, no matter what happens on track. We expect our fans and community to do the same. As INDYCAR fans, we must all work together to create a community where everyone is treated with respect and kindness.
JHR’s Agustin Canapino defends:
Of course, I am against abuse and hate. Those who engage in such behavior are certainly not part of our community and are not welcome here. Also, we Argentines are passionate and euphoric, but that doesn’t mean we should be accused of something we are not. Therefore, I strongly reject being generalized and placed in a category we don’t deserve. I have not seen a single death threat directed at those who claim to have received them. From last year to today, no one in their right mind would do such a thing. It’s outrageous to be accused of this so lightly, and I won’t allow it anymore.
If anyone did this, THEY ARE NOT PART OF US, and we don’t deserve to be consider this way because of some misfit WE STRONGLY REJECT. The majority of our fans are respectful and kind people, who I deeply support and thank for their continuous support, through good times and bad. I constantly receive abuse and hate, and I have learned to live with it as many people do, choosing to ignore it. There’s nothing sadder and more miserable than hiding behind social media to insult others. Lastly, I take this opportunity to invite everyone to reconsider and help others reconsider that we must base our actions on respect above all. We are free to express our emotions and feelings, but with respect and tolerance. It’s the best way to evolve and become better as a society.
IndyCar statement:
No one should be the victim of online abuse or threats. IndyCar has been in touch with both teams to discuss this matter & made certain where we stand. We all have a responsibility to reinforce a welcoming atmosphere & firmly denounce clear violations of online conduct.
[Note: The story is as per press release]