Two years ago, Martins noticed that someone had removed the state flag decal from his car while preparing for a race. Martins inquired about what had happened, and was told that a race official had done so. He asked why and was told by NASCAR that they were trying to distance themselves from the Confederate battle icon, which is part the Mississippi state flag. Martins replied, “But that’s mine state flag.” The official replied, “Then why does that have a Confederate Flag in it?” Martins says he didn’t have an answer. This is likely because there isn’t a good answer, especially when 38 percent Mississippians are African American. Also, the Confederate flag was flown during a war to preserve slavery. Lucius Q.C. Lucius Q.C. Its labor provides the product that makes up the vast majority of the world’s commerce. These products are unique to the climate of the tropical regions. According to an imperious law, no other race than the black can endure the sun …” Martins describes the brief encounter with a NASCAR official about his flag decal. To tell the truth, I was embarrassed. I was shocked to discover that people didn’t see the flag and think, ‘Well, he’s from Mississippi.’ What they saw was, in fact, the Confederate flag, and everything it represents. It doesn’t mean anything to me that people think it means. I think it’s time to get out of that rut. That perception of me is not mine. It’s time to fly a better flag for all of us.” Martins shared his thoughts about the Mississippi flag via social media including this recorded message. On his Chevrolet Camaro race car, No. 44), he added the Stennis flag to his Chevrolet Camaro race car. This is a proposed Mississippi flag design by Jackson artist Laurin Stennis. Martins said he is aware that many supporters of the current state state flag, which was adopted in 1894 by the legislature, consider the flag to be a symbol of the state’s Southern heritage. Martins says he doesn’t intend to disparage those who fly the flag as they feel it is their heritage. “On the other side, the negative aspects of the flag are so obvious to anyone who is paying attention.” Many hate groups have adopted the Confederate battle banner, including the Ku Klux Klan. Other Southern states are gradually moving away from the Confederate battle flag. The Confederate flag is not allowed to be flown by the eight Mississippi state-supported universities and many Mississippi cities, counties and towns. Last week, NASCAR also announced that it would prohibit Confederate flags being displayed at any NASCAR event or property. This policy will be tested when NASCAR heads to Talladega (Alabama) for the races this weekend. Martins will compete in the Xfinity Series Unhinged 300 race on Saturday at 5:05 p.m. The Geico 500 race will draw a maximum of 5,000 spectators on Sunday. Confederate flags were a common sight in Talladega’s stands and infield. They can be seen everywhere, big and small, on caps and T-shirts. Martins stated that he was unsure how Martins’ new policy would work. It will be treated as a trespassing offense, according to my understanding. They will first ask you to take it down. Then, if they don’t ask, they will ask for you to leave.” Martins is coming off a Top 20 finish at Homestead, Florida last week in his tenth Talladega start. It has been a difficult season for Martins, with engine failures, electrical problems and brake failure. Martins seemed certain of a Top 10 finish at Charlotte. Martins was unable to control most of these problems. Martins has raced in underfunded cars against teams that are much more wealthy for most of his career. The rule of thumb in NASCAR is that it takes a lot of money to make money.