Daytona Beach, FL – Nationwide Series driver Jeremy Clements has been reinstated after NASCAR suspended him indefinitely two weeks ago for using a racially insensitive remark during an interview with a reporter last month at Daytona International Speedway.
NASCAR said on Wednesday that Clements was reinstated upon the successful completion of stipulations following his indefinite suspension on Feb. 27 for violating the sanctioning body's code of conduct policy. NASCAR noted that Clements will be allowed to compete in this weekend's Nationwide race at Bristol Motor Speedway, but he will be on probation until Sept. 13. He is the driver/owner of the No. 51 Chevrolet in the series.
Clements had to seek professional help before NASCAR would reinstate him. He met with Dr. Richard Lapchick, who is the director of both the National Consortium for Academics and Sports and the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports. Lapchick is also a professor at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
"As part of the requirements for reinstatement, Jeremy Clements participated in an individualized program with Dr. Richard Lapchick and his staff at the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports," NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations Steve O'Donnell said in a statement."In Dr. Lapchick's judgment, Jeremy has successfully completed the program. We're pleased that Jeremy has taken these important steps and will return to racing starting this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway."
Clements publicly apologized for the incident shortly after his suspension was handed down to him.
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