
via Imago
DAYTONA, Fla. — The driver of the Air Force NASCAR car No. 21, Ricky Rudd, held off the challenge of No. 8 Dale Earnhardt Jr. during the running of the Gatorade 150 held here Feb. 17. Mr. Rudd, who finished in 5th place, will start in the 11th position for the Daytona 500, which will be held here Feb. 20. (U.S. Air Force photo by Larry McTighe)

via Imago
DAYTONA, Fla. — The driver of the Air Force NASCAR car No. 21, Ricky Rudd, held off the challenge of No. 8 Dale Earnhardt Jr. during the running of the Gatorade 150 held here Feb. 17. Mr. Rudd, who finished in 5th place, will start in the 11th position for the Daytona 500, which will be held here Feb. 20. (U.S. Air Force photo by Larry McTighe)
“With great power comes great responsibility.” That famous line might be from a superhero movie, but it applies to just about anyone in the public eye, especially in motorsports, including NASCAR. Whether you’re a driver, a commentator, or even a spotter, your words carry weight. Fans listen, aspiring professionals take notes, and one offhand remark can spark an unexpected firestorm.
NASCAR is a sport built on passion, with fans who live and breathe racing. So when an insider, someone with influence and experience, responds dismissively to a young fan’s genuine question, people take notice. And not in a good way. One longtime spotter’s recent response to a hopeful high school student didn’t just ruffle feathers, it sent NASCAR fans into an outright frenzy.
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Brett Griffin’s outspoken nature lands him in hot water again
Brett Griffin isn’t just another voice in NASCAR. He’s been a key player behind the scenes for years. Best known as a spotter, Griffin has worked with drivers like Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, and Elliot Sadler. Beyond the track, he’s gained a following as a co-host of the Door Bumper Clear podcast, where he’s never afraid to speak his mind.
Brett Griffin has never shied away from expressing his opinions on NASCAR’s inner workings. In a recent critique, he highlighted how “OEM alliances” can overshadow individual drivers and teams, referencing the 2024 Martinsville race where Chevrolet drivers collaborated to secure a win for William Byron. Additionally, Griffin voiced his frustration over NASCAR’s biased decisions.
He noted that while NFL games start promptly, NASCAR events often face delays, which can deter casual fans. These candid observations have solidified his reputation as a forthright commentator unafraid to challenge the status quo. Some appreciate his honesty, while others think he crosses the line. His outspoken nature has landed him in controversy before, especially when his comments seem dismissive or condescending.
Recently, Griffin stirred the pot again. A high school student asked him, “Brett, how do you become a spotter? Is it a find-a-friend situation?” Instead of offering advice, Griffin shut it down with, “If you’re having to ask, it’s probably not the job for you.” Fans saw this as not just unhelpful, but downright demeaning. The backlash was immediate, with many calling his response arrogant and out of touch.
The uproar over his response has taken on a life of its own, especially on Reddit. NASCAR fans haven’t held back. They have vocally called out his attitude and questioned whether someone with his mindset should be in such a visible role. As the debate rages, the bigger question emerges. Should public figures in NASCAR be held to a higher standard when interacting with fans?
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Fans lash out at Brett Griffin’s dismissive remark
Many fans felt Griffin’s domineering tone was unnecessary. One Reddit user wrote, “The words of someone who needs to be humbled! What a d— that guy is.” His response made it seem like spotting was an exclusive club rather than an attainable NASCAR job. Some longtime fans of Griffin have also soured on him. One user commented, “He’s gotten so weird on X over the last year or so, can’t stand him anymore.” Many pointed out that Griffin’s opinions have grown increasingly abrasive. His exit from Door Bumper Clear only amplified criticism, with some relieved that he no longer had a regular platform.
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Others questioned the complexity of a spotter’s role, mocking Griffin’s gatekeeping. “Lmfao it feels like it’s totally a ‘phone a friend’ job,” one fan wrote. While spotting requires skill, most spotters are former drivers or individuals with industry connections. Unlike engineering or team management, there’s no rigid pathway to breaking into the job.
Griffin’s overall attitude continues to rub fans the wrong way. One fan bluntly wrote, “All those years of spotting experience yet he can’t see how much of a t— he is.” His brash and sometimes condescending takes have alienated a portion of the NASCAR community, making him a polarizing figure on social media.
Despite the backlash, some fans questioned why Griffin still receives so much attention. One Redditor pointed out, “If we don’t like Brett, then why are we still posting stuff he does/says?” This reflects a broader trend in NASCAR, where controversial figures remain in the spotlight despite fan outrage.
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Griffin made things worse for himself by replying rudely to the negative comments. His replies included, “I answered it genuinely,” “Because he was in high school and I had no way of knowing that. The clowns aren’t at the circus tonight,” and “Date of Birth now required on all tweets sent to me. Still a lot of folks out there trolling away. 😂😂”
As the debate rages on, Griffin’s words serve as a reminder that influence comes with responsibility. Whether he meant to or not, his response struck a nerve, proving once again that in NASCAR, fans never let a controversy slide.
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Is Brett Griffin's bluntness refreshing or just plain rude? How should public figures handle fan interactions?