The axiom ‘Teamwork makes a dreamwork’ is one fine thread that holds the world of motorsports. It is true that there is only one victor in any sport, but without the selfless contribution of dozens of individuals, the victory won’t have been feasible. While the world of motorsports is neck-deep in the underlying rivalry between the Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, it is not the only sport where being over-competitive takes the better judgment of the athletes.
We recently saw a similar case in the ARCA Menards Series at Mid-Ohio on July 7, where two teammates tried to outdo each other by shoving each other to the outside. The result was nothing but utter chaos as both drivers failed to cross the start-finish line. Nevertheless, this incident raises the question, are teammates nothing less than competitors or also add value to the overall performance in the sport? Moreover, how do these incidents of rivalry between teammates affect the team in its totality? Even Bubba Wallace’s Right-Handy Man raises the same question.
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In a dynamic sport like NASCAR, where every fraction of a second plays a pivotal role in determining the final outcome of the race, teammates are often seen battling neck-to-neck with each other in order for one single goal, victory. And there have been numerous incidents where things have turned bitter among drivers belonging to the same organization.
But within this world of rivalry, it is often the teams that receive the worst hit, as more often times than not, the drivers wreck each other and it is their cars that face the brunt of it. This was evident during the Zinsser Smartcoat 150 event in Mid-Ohio when two of the Venturini Motorsports driver were involved in an act of contention and shoved the other driver to the gravel.
The incident occurred at the final lap of the race, as the polesitter Sean Hingorani, who was a lap down shoved teammate Dean Thompson, who was running second, putting an end to a remarkable finish of the driver. Even the broadcasters highlighted the incident as an act of retaliation. One of them expressed, “Oh! A lot of retaliation, as teammates, that’s what gets tricky here. Even Bubba Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft, expressed his displeasure about the incident.
He wrote on Twitter, “I’ve seen first hand the blood sweat and tears the men and women of @VenturiniMotor puts into their program. Countless hours in the shop, followed by countless hours in the van driving to almost all the races. To repay them with something like this is completely unacceptable.”
I’ve seen first hand the blood sweat and tears the men and women of @VenturiniMotor puts into their program.
Countless hours in the shop, followed by countless hours in the van driving to almost all the races.
To repay them with something like this is completely unacceptable. https://t.co/UHx5at77H9
— Freddie Kraft (@FreddieKraft) July 8, 2023
Watch this Story: Bubba Wallace & His Wife Amanda Apparently For Violating Hawaiian Law
Netizens Show Their Support for Freddie Kraft on the Act of Retaliation
The incident did not sit well among the NASCAR netizens as well. They completely agreed with the veteran spotter’s claim. Many commented in agreement under the post and hurled their comments at Sean Hingorani. They wrote;
“Maybe the drivers need to start fixing their cars again.”
“Agreed. The work put in for a split second of nonsense is so bad. Bad look for the team and a legendary owner of the team , while I’m not sure but my guess is the kid ain’t turned a wrench on that car once.maybe let him learn by helping repair both of them.”
“If they had to be the ones in the shop Monday morning fixing them, instead of showing up just to drive them, they would think twice before acting on it.”
I sincerely agree with you Freddie
— Jeremy J Alberti (@LightningPodcas) July 8, 2023
Others also commented, “He waited on him… I would never put that kid in my car ever again. That’s embarrassing… I feel bad for the team that have to go fix these things.”
“This might be “What an Idiot” of the year award.”
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Sean will be lucky if he ever gets to drive one of their cars ever again. Dumped a lap car to try and get a caution and then cleans out Dean on the last lap after waiting for him.
— Jimmy Zajac (@SlimJimJZ) July 8, 2023
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While this is a pitiful sight to watch, but is a common spectacle in the world of motorsports. These instances only reinforce the fact it is the individual and his victory that takes center stage when it comes to wearing the victory crown. Nevertheless, there have been moments that stand contrary to these incidents and hold the essence of real sportsmanship.