Daytona offers American flags in exchange program

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Daytona International Speedway will not ban the Confederate flag from track property this weekend, but will offer the American flag to those who wish to fly it on property.

Daytona President Joie Chitwood said Tuesday the speedway will offer an exchange program in which fans can trade a flag for the American flag. Daytona's hosts NASCAR races Saturday and Sunday nights this weekend.

Chitwood said there's not enough time to plan and enforce a ban on the Confederate flag, which NASCAR chairman Brian France does not want flying at NASCAR events.

NASCAR has taken a strong stance against the flag since nine black churchgoers were slain June 17 in Charleston, S.C. The suspect in the case, Dylann Roof, embraced Confederate symbols before the attack.

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