Can We Please Pretend This is a Joke?

Remember I said I was not going to take unnecessary shots at this lil' town I like to call Memfuss? I'm gonna keep that promise. However, this is a necessary shot.

What the phuck are we doing in Memphis?

I can't wait 'til gang members start flagging with KKK hoods, Confederate battle flags and Lynard Skynard t-shirts.

From WMC Stations-- Memphis

Gangs Sporting New Look

It is one of America's most popular pastimes. But, while Nascar drivers are staying on track, gang members are spinning their wheels by using race wear to send secret messages.

"Sometimes it can mean things in gang language or it could just be a true fan," says Shelby County Investigator, Anthony Buckner. "I mean you wear a Nascar jacket that's as innocent as it can be."

But, in certain circles, its not about Nascar. Shelby County gang investigators have spotted a new and disturbing trend in gang wear- the use of Nascar clothing to signify gang affiliation.

Ask some of the people who drive the M and M 38 car and they can't tell you they're not a Nascar fan.

The nuance is in the number. The 38 on the M and M car for example: translation- three minus 8 is negative-5, which represents the 5 point star that identifies the street gang "People Nation".

Junior's Budweiser car: Sheriff's deputies say Bud equals Bloods-another gang.

"Of course the everyday lay person in the community, they don't realize what this means," says Shelby County gang investigator, James Pavatte.

While Nascar is the newest fashion fad, investigators find gang symbolism in many team and brand logos.

"Could mean one thing to a fan of a team but to a child it could be representing some type of gang or sending a message out," says Buckner.

Deputies decipher the Dallas Cowboys logo as an acronym for "Crips on the Westside Blasting on You Slobs".

Which means that the Crips are trying to send a message to the street organization, The Bloods.

The Duke logo means "Diciples Utilizing Knowledge Every Day." Adidas stands for "All day I Diss On Any Slobs."

Translating gang signs isn't as simple as spotting clothing and bandana colors anymore.

The newest way takes a message from the track to the streets, infringing on a loyal fan base that spans the country.

Buckner adds, "the gang members are just taking that product and using it in a way that it wasn't designed."

A fashion statement racing fans and police would like to see ride out of style as quickly as it rode in.

We asked local racing officials to comment on this story. The Vice President and General Manager of Memphis Motorsports Park realeased the following statement:

"We understand that this has been a local and national trend, unfortunately, both with collegiate and professional sports attire - not just NASCAR. On race weekends at our facility, the fans that sport NASCAR apparel, colors and driver numbers are doing what they have done for years - simply showing their support for 'their' favorite driver."

If you see something you interpret as evidence of a gang but you're not sure, you can report it on the Shelby County Sheriff's Department website.

They will research it and get back to you. You can also call them at 901-385-5186. Tips can be made anonymously both ways.