Why indeed would NASCAR try to appease critics of Saturday’s National Rifle Association-sponsored Sprint Cup race in Fort Worth, Texas? If you read only mainstream news coverage, you’d think the event was called the “Controversial NRA 500.” The race is still on, though, so somebody must have purchased tickets.

Fans at home will be able to watch the race on TV, despite Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) reportedly asking Rupert Murdoch and Fox not to broadcast it. Nothing controversial about that, right?

It’s a good thing that the race will be broadcast after all; otherwise, how could people who weren’t going to watch anyway claim they were boycotting it? Look out, NASCAR: people who’ve always hated you will never turn into fans now — and you might need some new fans after spokesman David Higdon made the following statement Friday:

The NRA’s sponsorship of the event at Texas Motor Speedway fit within existing parameters that NASCAR affords tracks in securing partnerships. However, this situation has made it clear that we need to take a closer look at our approval process moving forward, as current circumstances need to be factored in when making decisions.

http://twitter.com/jrsalzman/statuses/323128572699095040

Gun control advocates might be boycotting, but what about NRA supporters? Do they boycott NASCAR for being spineless or tune in and tweet their support?