NASCAR, as a sport, is known for its intense and aggressive style, where drivers will do almost anything to win. This drive to come out on top can often lead to dangerous maneuvers on the track, and unfortunately, sometimes these actions can be detrimental not only to the driver in question but also to others on the track. This was evident in the recent Goodyear 400 race at the Darlington Raceway, where Ross Chastain replicated the mistake of his rival, Denny Hamlin.
Ross Chastain makes a confession after the Darlington race
Chastain, driving the #1 car for Trackhouse Racing Team, was battling for position with Kyle Larson when he attempted to push him up the track. However, Chastain misjudged the maneuver and ended up turning himself into the wall, causing significant damage to his car and effectively ending his chances of winning the race.
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In the post-race interview, Chastain explained his actions by stating, “Full commitment into (Turn) 1, and I got really tight and drove up and turned myself. I wanted to squeeze him. I wanted to push him up. We had been trading back and forth all day, and I wanted to push him up for sure but definitely didn’t want to turn myself into the wall.”
Chastain’s actions did not sit well with Larson‘s team, who expressed frustration over the radio. Crew chief Cliff Daniels said, “Why did he just run us right into the fence? How does that make any sense? Makes that three races now he’s taken us out of. Chevrolet, good job. Good job. That’s three races that #1 car has taken us out of.”
.@RossChastain explains what happened in Turn 1 with @KyleLarsonRacin. pic.twitter.com/rAkezljBXE
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 14, 2023
WATCH THIS STORY: Kyle Larson Lashes Out: “Get That Out of My F***king Face”
Fans call for a penalty after Chastain’s confession
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Fans quickly took to social media, demanding that Chastain receives a fine and penalty for admitting his mistake. They cited Denny Hamlin’s case as an example of NASCAR’s lack of consistency in handing out punishments. Earlier this year, Hamlin was fined $50,000 and docked 25 points after admitting on his podcast that he intentionally wrecked Chastain during the race in Phoenix. Fans pointed out that Chastain admitted to his mistake, just like Hamlin, and should face similar consequences.
Actions Detrimental
— Two Car Tandem (@twocartandempod) May 14, 2023
Several fans feel that when aggression crosses the line into dangerous or reckless behavior, it can have serious consequences for everyone involved. The latest incident between Ross Chastain and Kyle Larson is a prime example of this, with Chastain’s aggressive driving ultimately leading to his own downfall and sparking anger and frustration among fans.
One fan tweeted, “Figured I’d better retweet this one so that later, when Chastain fans deny he admitted to what he did, there’d be evidence.”
Another fan tweeted, “He will get what is coming to him.” And another fan called on NASCAR to be consistent with their penalties, stating, “@NASCAR needs to be consistent with these penalties, Denny said the same thing practically about what happened in phoenix, come on!”
These comments illustrate the frustration that fans feel when they see drivers making dangerous moves on the track. Many fans feel that NASCAR should be consistent in how they penalize drivers for actions that are detrimental to themselves or other drivers.
However, not everyone was critical of the driver.
That smile means he's not going to fight the narrative that was already written.
— Tons0fFun51 (@KMart1989) May 14, 2023
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At least he admitted it. I respect that! Buddy is a really good driver.
— Bernard Pollard Jr (@Crushboy31) May 14, 2023
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While it is commendable that Chastain took responsibility for his actions, it is important for all drivers to remember that their actions on the track can have serious consequences and that they must always prioritize the safety of themselves and their fellow competitors.
READ MORE: After Being a Victim of Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson Sends 4-Word Warning to Anyone Attacking Him