Fighting to make it into the playoffs, Justin Haley’s final laps at the Chicago street race wowed the entire NASCAR community. Although Shane Van Gisbergen went on to grab the title win, Haley’s impressive bout with the Kiwi had fans chittering with glee. While the Kaulig Racing driver was showered with love last weekend, Haley’s part-time Xfinity Series dabble has landed him in hot waters.
Competing in the Alsco Uniforms 250 Xfinity race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend, Justin Haley’s on-track action has drawn the ire of fans.
What Transpired on the Track Between Justin Haley and His Teammate?
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The Xfinity Series 2023 Alsco Uniforms 250 race had fans on the edge of their seats. Rife with multiple crashes and cautions, the race was forced into overtime as #21 Austin Hill spun out with three laps to go. Overtime saw Kaulig Racing part-timer, #10 Justin Haley lead the race with Joe Gibbs Racing’s #20 driver, John Hunter Nemechek beside him.
Running out of fuel, Haley quickly dropped spots as Nemechek grabbed the lead. As Nemechek pulled away, Justin Haley’s teammate, #11 Daniel Hemric, pulled up to the #20 Toyota’s rear bumper, clinching the second position.
During the final lap, Haley attempted to overtake #11 Daniel Hemric on the inside. Almost making it past his teammate, Haley quickly dropped back to the 4th spot owing to his ongoing issues with low fuel. Hemric, on the other hand, was looking for an opening to make a pass on the JGR #20 race leader. Blocked off by teammate Justin Haley in the final lap, Daniel Hemric’s hope of driving down Atlanta’s Victory Lane quickly crumbled down.
Nemechek went on to win the title while Hemric had to settle for the second spot. Post-race, Justin Haley was seen walking up to Daniel Hemric. Although it was unclear what Haley was saying, Hemric could be seen shaking his head in discontentment.
As reported by PRN, Daniel Hemric, in a post-race interview, said, “I thought I backed up to the 10 and had a run to put us in victory lane and Justin Haley pulled out of line running out of fuel. When he pulled out it let the 20 get so far out and took all the opportunity to win.“
Daniel Hemric: "I thought I backed up to the 10 and had a run to put us in victory lane and Justin Haley pulled out of line running out of fuel. When he pulled out it let the 20 get so far out and took all the opportunity to win."
— PRN (@PRNlive) July 9, 2023
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Fans quickly took notice of Haley’s on-track actions, bashing the Kaulig Racing driver on Twitter.
Fans Call Justin Haley “A Complete Idiot”
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Discontent with Justin Haley’s unsportsmanlike conduct, fans took to Twitter, berating the Kaulig Racing #10 driver. Mockingly what Justin Haley was supposedly saying to Daniel Hemric post the race, one fan commented, “I’m sorry, I’m a complete idiot. We could have battled for a win but I just gifted the 20 the win.” Another fan wrote, “Would’ve been a dub for kaulig if Haley knew how to race like a teammate.”
“Haley on restart: remind the 16 a team win is most important Haley on last lap running 3rd behind Hemric: yoink!”
@Justin_Haley_ I love you bro
But you gotta hold this for me pic.twitter.com/OP9H2Uob3u— Jack Callahan (@Cal915121Jack) July 9, 2023
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“Is that @Justin_Haley_ apologizing to @DanielHemric for being a horrible teammate?”
“@Justin_Haley_ as a driver is the worst teammate. He should’ve absorbed pushed @DanielHemric to the win instead of battling”
“Why is HALEY mad? He’s the one that lost his team the race!”
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Facing the wrath of fans for his actions in the Xfinity race at Atlanta, can Justin Haley win over fans’ hearts by securing a spot in the Cup Series playoffs?