Juri Vips gets 2nd chance in racing after use of racial slur nearly ended his career

By JENNA FRYER
AP Auto Racing Writer

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing knew its latest driver would be controversial, so much so that the team social media manager turned off the ability to comment on posts announcing the hiring. Juri Vips will make his return to racing following his use of a racial slur when he makes his IndyCar debut this Sunday at Portland. The 23-year-old from Estonia has been out since last June when he used a racial slur while playing an online racing game with live viewers. Bobby Rahal has hired Vips to finish the season in the No. 30 Honda for RLL. Vips will also race next week’s finale in Monterey, California.