FAIRMONT, Minn. — An announcer who was fired by an Iowa racetrack after a racist rant was again behind the microphone in southern Minnesota final weekend, however he didn’t obtain a standing ovation as promised as a result of he was apparently uncomfortable with that plan, based on the promoter of Fairmont Raceway.

Lon Oelke is the full-time announcer at Fairmont Raceway, the place he labored Friday — days after the Kossuth County Speedway in Algona, Iowa, lower ties with him after he went on a racist rant this month towards Black followers and athletes who kneel throughout the nationwide anthem as a protest towards racial inequality.

The Kossuth County Speedway mentioned in an announcement that its leaders “don’t condone” Oelke’s feedback, including that administration didn’t hear them throughout the race, however solely after they gained consideration on social media.

“I feel maybe the entire thing is taken slightly out of context with social media lately,” Fairmont observe promoter Jon McCorkell informed the Star Tribune, including that he’ll “stick by my man.”

In a video that was posted Thursday on Twitter, Oelke informed the group throughout a July 15 race that he wished to make “a social service announcement” earlier than the nationwide anthem. He condemned those that “will not stand for our flag” or who “take a knee” throughout the anthem.

“I’ve obtained 4 phrases for you: Discover a totally different nation when you will not do it,” he mentioned. “Get the hell out of dodge.”

Cheers within the crowd might be heard at that time. Oelke added that he was outraged that the NFL is contemplating enjoying the Black nationwide anthem earlier than video games this season “for these people, I assume the darker toned pores and skin colour, I am going to simply say, Blacks.”

“They need a distinct nationwide anthem, and the NFL is considering doing it,” he mentioned. “I simply say shut the TVs off and allow them to play in entrance of no person.”

After Oelke’s firing in Iowa, McCorkell wrote on Fb that he agreed with Oelke’s feedback and mentioned Oelke would “completely be saying” races Friday evening and would obtain a standing ovation. McCorkell’s Fb publish has since been eliminated, and on Friday, there was no standing ovation. McCorkell informed the Star Tribune that Oelke was uncomfortable with it.

Oelke was not obtainable to remark to the Star Tribune on Friday. His telephone quantity has been disconnected.

McCorkell informed the newspaper that Oelke has help within the space.

“Anyone native is mainly of the identical perception we’re,” McCorkell mentioned. “We’re one nation underneath God, one nationwide anthem and also you stand for it.”

The Fairmont Raceway, a half-mile dust observe, is on the grounds of the Martin County Truthful in Fairmont, about 130 miles (209.21 kilometers) southwest of the Twin Cities. Robin Celander, president of the truthful’s governing board, mentioned Monday that the truthful would haven’t any remark till the board discusses the state of affairs.

Doug Peterson, an area farmer who serves as racetrack chaplain, mentioned he talked with Oelke in regards to the Iowa remarks, and Oelke had expressed regret.

“He is genuinely sorry,” Peterson mentioned. “I do know Lon personally and I do consider he has love in his coronary heart, not hatred. Lonnie isn’t a hater.”