IndyCar found itself in hot water this week after pulling a controversial t-shirt from its online store—just hours after it went live. The shirt, designed to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary and promote the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., featured an image of Abraham Lincoln in a racing helmet alongside the phrases "One Nation" and "One Race." But instead of sparking patriotic pride, the design ignited a firestorm of backlash on social media, with many fans interpreting "One Nation, One Race" as carrying racist undertones.
In a statement released Wednesday, IndyCar confirmed the shirt had been removed. "A shirt was removed from IndyCar’s online store following feedback from customers," the organization told The Athletic. "We understand that some individuals found its phrasing concerning and therefore have remedied the situation." The statement noted the shirt was pulled just a few hours after its release.
The controversy comes as IndyCar joins a long list of sports organizations marking America's 250th anniversary this year. From Super Bowl jerseys sporting America 250 patches to the UFC hosting a fight on the White House lawn, most celebrations have been straightforward and controversy-free. But IndyCar's misstep serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned merchandise can miss the mark.
The shirt itself depicted Abraham Lincoln—as seen at the Lincoln Memorial—decked out in racing gear, with "One Nation" emblazoned above and "One Race" below. While the intent was likely to honor the nation's history and the race itself, the phrase "One Race" proved problematic, drawing criticism for its historical associations with racist ideologies. For a sport that prides itself on diversity and inclusion, the backlash was swift and loud.
IndyCar has since removed the shirt from its store, but the incident highlights the fine line sports organizations walk when blending patriotism with merchandise. As the Freedom 250 Grand Prix approaches this August, fans can expect more official gear—hopefully without the unintended controversy.