PracticeMode

DOVER, Delaware — A black former technical inspector filed a complaint against NASCAR with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging racial discrimination, a hostile work environment and wrongful termination.

Dean Duckett said discrimination started in May 2001 and lasted until NASCAR fired him from his job in the Sprint Cup series on Nov. 14, 2007.

Duckett told The Associated Press on Saturday that he would consider a lawsuit if NASCAR offered him his old job back.

"I'm looking for something. Even if NASCAR was to offer me my job back, I would do that," he said. "If they wasn't going to offer me my job back, I'm shooting for a lawsuit."

Duckett said his problems started last Nov. 10 when he got into a heated argument with another official the night before the Phoenix race.

"I said to him, 'I ought to cut you.' I don't carry no blades or nothing like that," Duckett said. "It basically came out in the heat of the moment. We got into each other's faces but nothing happened. My roommate pulled me away and said, 'C'mon guys leave it alone,' and we left."

Duckett said he apologized, made up with the official and thought the incident was squashed. Instead, he said he was called the next day to NASCAR's at-track office and was sent home. Duckett said he was fired by Cup Series director John Darby and human resources director Star George.

"They took my life away," he said. "I loved my job. I put everything into my job. I feel they took away from my family."

NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said on Saturday the stock car series was aware of the complaint.

Former technical inspector issues discrimination complaint against NASCAR....