The CW’s Adam Alexander and Parker Kligerman seemed to foreshadow the chaos that would unfold at Martinsville in the Xfinity Series. During the broadcast, Alexander noted Jamie McMurray’s absence, prompting Kligerman to joke, “knocked him out just like they’re gonna do today.” Alexander agreed, predicting “full contact at this racetrack”—a prediction that turned out to be true.
Martinsville’s history of aggressive racing supported this. From Sam Mayer and Ty Gibbs’ 2022 fight to Brandon Jones’ wreck at the hands of Gibbs, and the heated battles between Sheldon Creed and Austin Hill, the track has seen its share of drama. This time, JR Motorsports’ Sammy Smith made headlines by ramming Taylor Gray, triggering a multi-car crash. The two later had to be separated outside the infield care center.
The race’s conclusion left fans and drivers outraged, with Christopher Bell calling it “infuriating.” NASCAR rules clearly prohibit intentional wrecking under Sections 4.4 B&D, yet Smith’s actions sparked widespread backlash, including criticism directed at Dale Earnhardt Jr. A fan on social media pressed Earnhardt Jr. for disciplinary action, to which he responded, “You think I’m supposed to broadcast how I manage those situations? Maybe I will, maybe I won’t.”
Despite the controversy, Dale Jr. didn’t ignore the situation. Expressing his disappointment, he emphasized Martinsville’s historic significance, suggesting the track deserved better. The frustration likely deepened because Smith was driving the No. 8—Earnhardt Jr.’s iconic number, which he reclaimed just last year.
Smith admitted fault but also shifted some blame onto Gray. “It was egregious,” he said, but added that Gray “would have done the exact same thing to me.” His justification only fueled the debate, as veterans like Mark Martin and Denny Hamlin urged for stricter penalties, calling for the black flag in similar incidents. Christopher Bell further criticized the Xfinity Series, noting that Cup drivers show more respect on track.
Following the backlash, NASCAR fined Smith $25,000 and docked him 50 points, dropping him from sixth to 13th in standings. Gray also received a $5,000 fine for his conduct at the infield care center.
Brad Keselowski, an experienced driver and team owner, weighed in, urging Earnhardt Jr. to take responsibility. He argued that car owners, not just NASCAR, should discipline their drivers—even at the risk of financial losses. Until then, many fear reckless behavior like Smith’s will continue.
