NASCAR fans have long been known to engage in passionate debates, often finding themselves on opposite sides of various issues within the sport. It’s quite uncommon for the community to reach a consensus, largely due to their strong loyalties to different teams and drivers.
Yet, there are moments when fans cross the line, directing negativity towards drivers or teams. Instances have occurred where drivers have lost their tempers and confronted fans directly. For example, Tony Stewart infamously punched a fan after a dirt race, and another fan attempted to confront Denny Hamlin following the Coca-Cola 600, even getting physical with a security guard at the garage entrance.
Recently, it was veteran NASCAR spotter and DBC host Brett Griffin who faced online negativity from a fan.
Griffin’s response to this internet troll was nothing short of impressive. With nearly two decades of experience in NASCAR, he has been a spotter for notable drivers like Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer. He also teamed up with Ross Chastain during his time in the Xfinity Series, navigating challenges as Chastain’s team, Chip Ganassi, was winding down its Xfinity operations.
Griffin played a crucial role in orchestrating Chastain’s partial season with Kaulig Racing, a pivotal moment that significantly impacted Chastain’s career. He spotted for the Alva, Florida native during the 2019 Daytona race, leading Chastain to his second Xfinity victory and securing a full-time position with Kaulig in 2020.
Although the two have taken separate paths since their last encounter, an online bully decided to provoke Griffin after he posted a personal update. The fan commented, “Let’s fight at Atlanta tubby, I’ll throw some hands with you for real.” Interestingly, the bully went by the username Boss Chastain, claiming to be a winner in the ARCA Series. However, Griffin wasn’t about to let this behavior go unchecked and fired back with a response that even caught the eye of NASCAR legend Mark Martin.
Griffin tackled the threats head-on, listing his points directed at the imposter: “1. You’d lose. 2. I’m not going to Atlanta. 3. Take your fake punk a– Twitter account and go upstairs to see your parents.” Mark Martin, impressed by Griffin’s comeback, took to his X account to express his admiration, stating, “I’m digging @SpotterBrett responses.”
In addition to this incident, Griffin frequently appears on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, where he shares insights from his spotting role. In the latest episode, he candidly discussed his views on the ongoing playoff race and the contenders for the championship.
The 2024 Cup Series season has been full of surprises, with notable drivers like Kyle Busch, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, and Chris Buescher missing out on the playoffs. Instead, we see Austin Cindric and Harrison Burton stepping up to compete for the championship, each with just one win in the regular season. However, transitioning into the playoffs and actually vying for the championship are two distinct challenges. Griffin believes many teams miscalculated their strategies for the season.
He didn’t hold back when critiquing Bubba Wallace and the RFK Racing team. “I hate to say it, but the 23XI team of Bubba Wallace is focused on winning a race to qualify for the playoffs. In contrast, Tyler Reddick is already recognized as a championship contender. There are about six teams really aiming for something more,” Griffin remarked on DBC.
He continued to debate with his co-host, T.J. Majors, who works with Brad Keselowski and the #6 RFK Racing team. “Do you consider yourselves a championship-caliber team?” Majors posed, suggesting, “I think we’re just a notch below them, but we can definitely make them sweat.” Griffin, however, wasn’t convinced and replied, “No, I’m being honest with you.”
It’s clear that Brett Griffin stands firm in his opinions about NASCAR, unafraid to voice his candid and sometimes controversial thoughts.
