With the Sprint Cup series heading to Daytona International Speedway this weekend for the Coke Zero 400, DIS president Joie Chitwood announced that fans can voluntarily exchange Confederate flags for American flags at the event.  Although NASCAR has banned the use of the Confederate flag in any official capacity, fans are still allowed to fly the flag, and it’s customary to see the symbol all over the infield at NASCAR events — especially in the south. Last weekend, NASCAR Chairman Brian France said the sanctioning body would go “as far as we can” to eliminate the Confederate flag from its events. The statement signed by 30 tracks, including the tracks owned by International Speedway Corporation and Speedway Motorsports Inc., is as follows: 
 
 “As members of the NASCAR industry, we join NASCAR in the desire to make our events among the most fan-friendly, welcoming environments in all of sports and entertainment. “To do that, we are asking our fans and partners to join us in a renewed effort to create an all-inclusive, even more welcoming atmosphere for all who attend our events. This is an opportunity for NASCAR Nation to demonstrate its sense of mutual respect and acceptance for all who attend our events while collectively sharing the tremendous experience of NASCAR racing.” 
 
 A NASCAR spokesperson said the request would pertain to "overt displays" of the Confederate flag. “We are committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere free of offensive symbols.
– Last week, NASCAR's chief said he didn't want his sport associated with the Confederate flag. Today, the tracks on which the cars race seconded that by asking fans not to display the flag during races, reports NBC Sports. The joint statement is issued as a "request" to fans in the spirit of "providing a welcoming atmosphere free of offensive symbols." And though it's not laid down as a rule, Yahoo Sports says it amounts to one: "If you're a fan wanting to bring in a 15-foot Confederate flag to fly on track property while at a race or are planning to use the symbol as a way to make a boisterous statement, you're likely going to be asked to not do so and possibly escorted out of the track premises. " Meanwhile, those who attend this weekend's race at Daytona speedway can exchange a Confederate flag for an American one, notes USA Today. (The Dukes of Hazzard is also caught up in the controversy.)