NASCAR RACING HIT WITH $225 MILLION DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT BY 32 YEAR-OLD, AFRICAN-AMERICAN, FEMALE NASCAR TECH INSPECTOR

On June 10, 2008, Mauricia Grant, a NASCAR race official hired in January 2005 and terminated last October, has filed a $225 million harassment and discrimination lawsuit against NASCAR.

The scathing complaint filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges, among other things, that Grant was called a series of degrading names, such as "Nappy Headed Mo" "Queen Sheba" and "Simpleton", and was subjected to racist stereotypes, such as being told she worked "on Colored People Time" if she arrived late.

For more than 20 pages, Grant's $225 million complaint details allegedly obscene e-mails, text messages, and racist and sexist comments directed at her. The complaint also states that Grant was frightened by one official who routinely made references to the Ku Klux Klan.

In addition, Grant says she was subjected to sexual advances from male co-workers, two of whom allegedly exposed themselves to her. The two NASCAR officials were placed on indefinite administrative paid leave Friday, June 13, just a few days after Grant filed her lawsuit against NASCAR.

NASCAR says it has not reviewed the complaint, but insists that it is an equal opportunity employer with a positive work environment.

However, this may be the wake-up call that many feel the male-dominated sport needs. As Grant's lawyer has stated, the lawsuit is, at least in part, about bringing the sport in to the 21st century as far as harassment and discrimination go.

"NASCAR perpetuated, condoned and actively participated in perverted and disgusting sexual conduct designed to demean and diminish (Grant) and the handful of other women employed by NASCAR as officials," the lawsuit said.

Here is a sportsillustrated.cnn.com article which details further Grant's complaint against NASCAR (Plaintiff speaks out against NASCAR's 'ignorant' culture) and an article from USAToday.com (NASCAR admits 'violations' in suspending officials) which provides some insight in to what NASCAR officials are saying about Grant's claim.