Mark Martin, a legendary figure in the world of NASCAR, has openly expressed his disappointment regarding Austin Dillon’s controversial victory at the Richmond race. The retired driver, known for his competitive spirit and sportsmanship, took issue with what he described as “very rough” racing during the final lap, a sentiment that resonates with many fans and analysts alike. This race was particularly significant for Dillon, as it marked the end of his 68-race winless streak, a milestone that should have been celebrated but was overshadowed by the contentious nature of his victory.
In the closing moments of the race, Dillon found himself in a fierce battle for position, having narrowly lost an overtime duel to Joey Logano. As the race intensified, Dillon closely trailed Logano’s #22 Ford Mustang, but in a dramatic turn of events, he crashed out in the final corner. The situation escalated when Dillon made a bold and aggressive move to the inside, resulting in a collision with Denny Hamlin, which ultimately cleared his path to the checkered flag. While Hamlin managed to finish in second place, the incident left Logano in a disappointing 19th position, highlighting the chaotic nature of the final laps.
Dillon’s aggressive tactics did not go unnoticed, sparking significant backlash from fans and fellow drivers alike. Mark Martin, who has had an illustrious career spanning all three NASCAR series, with a remarkable total of 96 wins—including 40 in the prestigious Cup Series—joined the chorus of critics. At 65 years old, Martin’s insights carry weight, and his discontent reflects a broader concern within the racing community about the standards of conduct on the track. The incident has ignited discussions about the balance between competitive racing and maintaining respect among drivers, a topic that remains crucial in the ever-evolving landscape of NASCAR.
“I believe that having excessively rough finishes isn’t beneficial for the long-term health of our sport. While side-by-side racing, some grinding, and a bit of bumper contact are part of today’s racing scene, we certainly don’t want to witness drivers crashing or being taken out while competing for the lead. That’s not what racing should be about,” Martin expressed through Dirty Mo Media on X (0:52).
Austin Dillon has been declared the official winner of the Richmond race. However, his eligibility for the playoffs has been invalidated due to a breach of Section 12.3.2.1.b of the NASCAR Rule Book. According to the rule (via NASCAR),
“Race finishes must be free from violations of the NASCAR Rules or any actions that could harm stock car auto racing or NASCAR, as determined solely by NASCAR.”
As a result, both Dillon and his team have been penalized with a 25-point deduction. Despite this, RCR is not content with the ruling and plans to appeal the decision.
Austin Dillon also shared his thoughts on his spotter’s “wreck him” call during the final corner of the Cook Out 400 race, stating, “He was just being a fanboy.”
Prior to securing his victory on Sunday, Austin Dillon had not tasted success in two years. His last win came at the Daytona International Speedway, where he impressively surged from a 21st-place starting position to claim the top spot. With the checkered flag in view at Richmond, Dillon was eager to secure his place in the playoffs.
After Dillon sent Joey Logano crashing into the wall, his spotter, Brandon Benesch, urged him to take out the new leader, Denny Hamlin. Consequently, Benesch has been suspended for the next three Cup races.
Dillon clarified Benesch’s intentions, stating that he didn’t genuinely mean to wreck the Joe Gibbs Racing driver but was simply caught up in the excitement of a passionate race fan. While reflecting on the chaotic final lap with Kevin Harvick, Dillon remarked, “The spotter was acting like a fanboy during that race. It’s like having a #3 fan trying to commentate while driving the car,” he shared during Harvick Happy Hour on X (0:45).
Currently, Austin Dillon has fallen from 26th to 31st in the regular season standings, and without a victory, his path to the 2024 playoffs remains blocked for the driver from Welcome.
