NASCAR faces backlash over ‘hypocritical’ post – Sports News
NASCAR discovered itself dealing with vital fan backlash this weekend after its official social media account shared a decade-old clip of Cole Custer tackling John Hunter Nemechek following a controversial 2016 Truck Series end.
The clip, posted by NASCAR‘s official X account on July 31 with the caption “There was contact on and off the track,” confirmed the aftermath of the 2 drivers’ notorious incident from Canadian Tire Motorsports Park a decade earlier. The post exploded throughout social media, racking up practically 6 million views and drawing a repost from Pat McAfee, one of probably the most outstanding voices in sports activities media.
But the viral consideration rapidly was criticism, with followers arguing NASCAR was being hypocritical through the use of footage of a bodily altercation as promotional content material whereas concurrently fining and suspending drivers for comparable habits in more latest years.
“Glorifying fights on the main social page for a ‘sport’ is crazy work. Not that I don’t want to see this stuff, but let’s not pretend that this doesn’t make your brand more like WWE than the NFL,” one fan wrote.
Another added, “Another post y’all are profiting off of someone else’s fine. Don’t use it as ads if you’re gonna deem it unacceptable behavior.”
A 3rd fan wrote, “You guys are a VERY HYPOCRITICAL. You’ll promote this to make money but then you’ll turn around and fine/take points away when these things happen.”
The authentic 2016 incident stemmed from a hard-fought Truck Series end during which Nemechek made contact with Custer over the ultimate two turns earlier than the pair raced door-to-door by way of the grass to the end line. NASCAR took practically 10 minutes to formally declare Nemechek the winner.
As Nemechek tried to gather the checkered flag, Custer, livid over the end and the missed alternative to clinch a playoff spot, sprinted over and tackled him to the ground. Neither driver was fined or penalized for the incident on the time, with NASCAR solely talking to Custer on the monitor.
Nemechek defended his transfer afterward, telling reporters, “We didn’t wreck him for the win. Rubbin’s racing.”
The criticism attracts a sharper distinction with NASCAR’s more latest disciplinary method.
In 2024, the sanctioning physique issued a report $75,000 superb to Ricky Stenhouse Jr. after he punched Kyle Busch following the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, whereas additionally suspending Stenhouse’s father indefinitely for becoming a member of the altercation and handing down further crew suspensions.
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