As Twitchy reported earlier, Lilly Diabetes had pulled its sponsorship of Conor Daly’s No. 6 car in the NASCAR Xfinity race at Road America, citing his father’s use of “the n-word” in an interview in the 1980s — before Daly was even born.
Plenty came to Daly’s defense over being punished for something his father said decades ago, and on Friday evening, Daly tweeted about the incident, even thanking Lilly Diabetes for being a part of his career.
The last 24hrs have been quite an unnecessarily difficult ride for my family. There is A LOT I want to say… but I’m still here and still racing. I appreciate the support from @roushfenway and ALL of you. @LillyDiabetes has been a big part of my career and Im very thankful. #6
— Conor Daly (@ConorDaly22) August 24, 2018
That’s an awfully classy statement; kudos to Daly for taking the high road.
Well played @LillyDiabetes, please do a full audit of your executive team and their parent to make sure that over the past 40 years on one said anything that could be considered in bad taste. If something is found I would expect an immediate firing with no questions asked. pic.twitter.com/zy9pmUVIBK
— Matt Blasdel (@CornTraderMatt) August 25, 2018
Why was @LillyDiabetes sponsoring a car at all? Don’t they know that the founders of the car companies said insensitive things 100 years ago.
— Lostmyleggins (@lostmyleggins) August 25, 2018
I liked your tweet. I hope I don’t pay for it in 35 years.
— Paul Clopton (@paulclopton) August 24, 2018
Oh no. I liked YOUR tweet. Does this mean I need to watch my back for SEVENTY YEARS?!?!?
— Jay Riddell (@JDell1981) August 25, 2018
No, but your kids will pay for it.
— Snow Miser (@Snow_Miser_) August 25, 2018
CNN’s KFILE is taking screenshots of all of these tweets to use as ammo later.
Conor keeps trying to build the bridge with the company that torched it. That’s all you need to know about the type of person @ConorDaly22 is. #AllClass #IndyCar #Nascar Shame on you @LillyDiabetes https://t.co/B4Lr6ve3SI
— Tim Poole (@timpoole_1) August 25, 2018
@ConorDaly22 is proving he’s all class. Another reason why the decision by @LillyDiabetes is idiotic, shameful, and a PR mistake. Hope Conor parks it in victory circle without their logo on the car this weekend. ?
— Betsy Ertmann (@balsport4321) August 25, 2018
A very professional, mature response in a frustrating situation. Exactly why @LillyDiabetes should be PROUD to sponsor him. https://t.co/vYKKMEGDHB
— Silver Steves (@shinseiai) August 25, 2018
Classy response as usual buddy! The karma universe owes you guys for this one, keep your head up & right foot down?
— Mike Burrell (@mike_burrell) August 25, 2018
https://twitter.com/LanceGrimm/status/1033155618415075328
And you Conor Daly are a class act and a great driver. Any series, sponsor or team that you race for is lucky to have you. Your fans and especially this one are grateful for you.
— MarkB (@70sRockbest) August 25, 2018
Way classier than your “sponsor “ seems to me they are using this as clickbait
— Not Arie Luyendyk (@LyinLesbian) August 25, 2018
After seeing Lilly's corporate rap sheet (https://t.co/7Z594kD7Eo), I think Conor is better off not having his name affiliated with Eli Lilly in any way. I honestly had no idea that Lilly had that many skeletons in the closet until this story broke. https://t.co/vzjXieleVt
— NotCrazyHoosierDad (@HoosierDad_2_18) August 25, 2018
Conor, the absurdity of this decision blows my mind. In my opinion, the actions of @LillyDiabetes draws MORE attention than if they had quietly continued their sponsorship. I'm still behind you 100%!
— Denise? (@deniseindy78) August 25, 2018
We’re behind you and your family. Hang tough, and good luck Conor.
— Chris Widlic (@Chris_Widlic) August 25, 2018
@ConorDaly22 I interviewed your dad when I was a 19-year-old journalism major, at a time when women weren't common in sportswriting. He was a consummate professional, treated me as he did any other reporter. I'll always remember and respect that.
— Just Jules (@TCJules) August 25, 2018
You are a class act, as always Conor, just like your father. We've lived in the same community for 20 yrs and have many mutual friends. Thank you to @roushfenway for keeping you in the #6 car and go get that checkered flag. We're all pulling for you! You deserve it my friend!
— Mike Peters (@petersmtrsprts) August 25, 2018
We totally support you and hope Lilly soon realizes what a ridiculous corporate overreaction this is. Wonder if Eli ever spoke out of turn back in the day? I certainly have no idea what my parents might have said before I was born.
— Julie Nason Vincent (@JVincentAPR) August 25, 2018
OK, so Daly didn’t win the NASCAR Xfinity race, but he can hold his head high today.
Related:
'PEAK stupidity'? Reason organization pulled sponsorship of NASCAR driver sparks MASSIVE eye rolls https://t.co/d8dISL1bxl
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) August 25, 2018
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