The NASCAR community is divided over Austin Dillon’s controversial finish at Richmond Raceway on Sunday (August 11). On the latest episode of the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Bubba Wallace watcher Freddie Kraft criticized NASCAR for hoping for a positive decision, which is expected Tuesday.
NASCAR exploded onto the Virginia circuit after a two-week hiatus due to the Paris Olympics, and hours later it became the genre of what is perhaps the biggest controversy in sports right now. Richard Childress Racing driver Dillon destroyed Joey Logano and Team Penske’s Joe Gibbs Racing icon Denny Hamlin to win the Cook Out 400. “It’s one of the coolest things I’ve seen in a long time,” Kraft said . “I said that last night on the radio because suddenly, they said that the finish was under consideration. I thought that if they were going to do something, it was going to be tonight – that’s where they were going to do it.”
During a post-race interview, Elton Sawyer, NASCAR’s senior vice president of competition, said the final lap was “very close to the line” (via NBC Sports). Sawyer added that the concerned officials will review the same and make a decision on Tuesday. However, Kraft said that regardless of the outcome, Sawyer would be criticized by NASCAR fans. “Poor Elton. They say Elton will come out and make a statement. Brad Keselowski observer TJ Majors, who is also the host of the podcast, said of the upcoming decision:
“I mean, it’s on the line.”
“What do you mean it’s on the line… where is the line?” Kraft yelled. “What’s worse than that? What, you’re going to share with someone?”
Many in the NASCAR world believe that although Dillon may be penalized, he would not be deprived of the victory. NASCAR insiders are divided as Austin Dillon’s victory hangs in the balance
On a recent episode of The Teardown podcast, The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck shared his views on whether Austin Dillon’s actions should have resulted in a penalty and whether his win should be overturned.
Many in the NASCAR world believe that, while Dillon may be penalized, he would not be stripped of the victory.
NASCAR insiders are divided as Austin Dillon’s victory hangs in the balance On a recent episode of The Teardown podcast, The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck shared his views on whether Austin Dillon’s actions should have resulted in a penalty and whether his win should be overturned.
However, podcast co-host Jordan Bianchi, a well-known reporter for The Athletic, had a different opinion. Although unlikely, Bianchi did not rule out NASCAR losing Dillon’s win. If that happens, Denny Hamlin, who finished P2, will likely be declared the winner. “Elton (Sawyer) said they’re going to look at it. My interpretation is that they’re not going to pull out the win, that’s not what they usually do. But I wouldn’t rule it out completely. I’d be surprised,” said Bianchi . Getting this win would certainly be a huge blow for Richard Childress Racing. After all, it was the team’s first Cup Series win of the season and also Richmond’s first since 2013. Also, it was Dillon’s first win in over two years.
