NASCAR fans spot issue after video of drivers | Sports News

NASCAR has come underneath scrutiny after utilizing footage of drivers preventing in a promotional video, with fans fast to level out an issue with the footage used to market the game.

In 2016, John Hunter Nemechek knocked Cole Custer out of the result in declare a controversial NASCAR Truck Series victory Sunday at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Custer had twice held off Nemechek on late restarts earlier than Nemechek bumped him with two turns remaining. The pair then went door-to-door via the grass in a dramatic drag race to the end.

NASCAR took practically 10 minutes to verify Nemechek because the winner, leaving Custer livid as he waited for the official ruling. Nemechek climbed from his truck to gather the checkered flag, however Custer confronted him and despatched him to the ground with a leaping sort out.

The sanctioning physique can superb or droop drivers for bodily altercations underneath its member conduct pointers, so NASCAR’s choice to make use of footage of drivers preventing as promotional materials has raised eyebrows amongst fans, significantly given the game’s historical past of fining drivers for bodily altercations.

“Stop promoting this s— if you’re just gonna turn around and fine & get involved constantly.” stated one X consumer. Another fan added: “This is an effin’ joke. An organization that doesn’t want their “gamers” to promote violence and then uses it to promote the sport. Well, welcome to the big leagues just like @nfl @mlb @nba and @NHL do it. Pathetic.”

A third user said: “I don’t have a problem with leagues showcasing the emotion and intensity that come with competition. What I do have a problem with is pretending to take the high road while using those exact moments as marketing material. Either stand by your policies or admit controversy sells.”

On this occasion, NASCAR did not issue any penalties or fines to either driver for their actions during or after the race. Officials only spoke with Custer at the track and opted against any fines or points deductions. As for Nemechek’s controversial move, NASCAR typically does not penalize drivers for making contact with a competitor while racing for the lead.

However in more recent years NASCAR has had a strong stance against violence between drivers. In 2024, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was fined $75,000 by NASCAR on Wednesday for fighting Kyle Busch after the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, the most important superb ever issued for a struggle.

Stenhouse’s father, Ricky Stenhouse Sr., was suspended indefinitely after becoming a member of the altercation, whereas Busch escaped punishment for his actions during the race.

The two made contact on the opening lap earlier than Busch appeared to intentionally wreck Stenhouse on the second. Stenhouse parked his broken Chevrolet in Busch’s pit stall earlier than confronting members of his crew and later warning he would return after the race.

Stenhouse made good on that menace, exchanging phrases with Busch earlier than touchdown a proper hook and sparking a melee involving each groups. His father then joined the struggle and threw punches at Busch. NASCAR additionally suspended Stenhouse mechanic Clint Myrick for eight races and engine tuner Keith Matthews for 4.