INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - A former race car driver and long-time friend is coming to the defense of car racing analyst Derek Daly.
Daly was fired for reportedly using a racial slur nearly 35 years ago during an interview with Bob Lamey.
In a statement he shared Thursday afternoon, Daly called the allegation "not only factually incorrect, but offensive."
Willy T Ribbs, the first African American driver to compete in the Indy 500, said he's never known Daly to use that language.
"It doesn't sound like Derek Daly," Ribbs said. "As long as I've been around him, he's never used a slur about race or nationality ever, but from 35 years ago? I don't believe it."
Ribbs said Daly has been a close friend and mentor for 41 years, ever since they met at the British Formula Ford race in 1977.
"I didn't know anything about anything and he coached me thru everything over there," Ribbs recalled.
And long after their racing careers ended, he said they're still "very close." In fact, Daly attended Ribb's wedding last Saturday.
"And i woke up this morning and see Derek Daly is being fired? It sounds lame," he said, adding, "I know what racial slurs are because the sport was not kind to Willy, especially NASCAR, so i know what racial slurs are and i know what death threats are because that's what I got."
Ribbs said he also knows the value of a nearly lifelong friendship.
"He's my man and an awesome human being and a great friend of mine for 41 years," Ribbs said