NBC Reporter Kelli Stavast Salvages Embarrassing NASCAR Interview With Verbal Dexterity
NBC NASCAR reporter Kelli Stavast is either hard of hearing, or a very, very quick thinker.
While interviewing driver Brandon Brown on Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama after he won his first NASCAR Xfinity Series race, Stavast had to deal with an unruly crowd. The racing fans, sensing the live cameras, broke into what’s fast becoming a popular chant at college football games in the south and midwest. The populist commentary involves President Joe Biden.
More from Deadline
Tom Brady & Bucs' Close Win Over Patriots Delivers Big Ratings For NFL & NBC In Early Numbers
Friday Ratings: 'SmackDown' FTW, But 'Blue Bloods' Gets The Biggest Audience
'Law & Order: SVU' Wins Thursday Ratings; 'Station 19' & 'Grey's Anatomy' Slip In Season Premieres
Stavast bravely soldiered on despite the obvious disruption. As an emotional Brown struggled to be heard above the crowd’s din, she interjected. “As you can hear the chants from the crowd, ‘Let’s go, Brandon.’”
NASCAR officials initially posted the interview on Twitter, but later deleted it. No reason was given as to why when pressed by reporters.
The anti-Biden chants have been increasingly heard at large public gatherings in the south and midwest, including numerous football games, at a boxing match, and the Ryder Cup golf tournament.
Perhaps the gods were angry at the Alabama crowd’s outbursts. Inclement weather has postponed today’s scheduled NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500 at Talladega. It will now begin on Monday, Oct. 4, at 1 p.m. ET on NBCSN.
NBC reporter Kelli Stavast is attempting to gaslight the public … https://t.co/4LMUY6wAd9
— Danielle ✨🌑🌞 (@starsmoonandsun) October 3, 2021
Best of Deadline
Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.