In the world of sports, decisions made by governing bodies like NASCAR can sometimes lead to controversy or disappointment among fans. It’s not uncommon for fans to have strong opinions and emotional attachments to their favorite drivers or teams, and when a decision goes against their expectations or desires, it can be disheartening.
At lap 219, Both Austins, Dillion and Cindric, were fighting for the 12th position. Amidst two titans battling, Cindric’s Ford Mustang made contact with Dillion’s right rear sending him into the exit and ending his race.
Fans were once again left in shock following another controversial incident at the Illinois 300, following the Denny Hamlin-Chase Elliott controversy. However, despite the outcry, NASCAR decided not to impose any penalties on either driver, which left Dillion and his supporters disappointed. The decision sparked a wave of frustration among Elliott‘s fans, who took to Twitter to express their disappointment.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
NASCAR’s controversial decision sparks anger in the the aftermath of the wreck
The Illinois 300 race brought mixed emotions for Richard Childress and his team. After Kyle Busch celebrated his third victory of the season, Childress took the opportunity to voice his support for his grandson, Austin Dillion. During an interview, Childress stated, “He [Austin] had drove up to about 10th until the #2 car [Cindric] wrecked him in there on purpose, sort of a payback.”
Richard Childress says Austin Cindric wrecked Austin Dillon on purpose as payback.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) June 5, 2023
The race faced its own set of challenges even before it began. Initially, it was delayed by an hour and a half due to weather conditions. Once it finally started, there were electricity and fiber connectivity problems at the Gateway, which caused difficulties for the teams. The connectivity issues were crucial for reporting fuel usage, timing, scoring, and other essential data about the cars.
NASCAR Statement:
During today’s NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway, there was an off-site fiber connectivity failure that briefly interrupted the television and radio broadcasts, as well as impacting internet for teams on pit road. There was not a failure…
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 5, 2023
Additionally, the race encountered live broadcast problems between WWT and Fox during Stage 2. Photographer Daylon Barr raised this issue publicly, highlighting the challenges faced during the broadcast.
not a FOX issue. an entire broadcast compound issue. lost power over there. MRN isn’t working either
— Daylon Barr (@BarrVisuals) June 4, 2023
NASCAR Vice President Elton Sawyer addressed the situation, stating that despite the broadcast interruption, video footage of the incident was recorded. In a recent tweet by Bob Pockrass, NASCAR’s decision regarding penalties was shared.
His tweet read, “On SirusXM this morning, Elton Sawyer says they have looked at data on the Cindric-Dillon incident (it was recorded even though not available live) and “deemed this one as really hard racing” and no penalty.”
On SirusXM this morning, Elton Sawyer says they have looked at data on the Cindric-Dillon incident (it was recorded even though not available live) and "deemed this one as really hard racing" and no penalty.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 6, 2023
However, the decision didn’t sit well with Chase Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports fans, who expressed their disappointment and frustration in the comment sections of various social media posts.
Chase Elliott fans express their frustration over NASCAR’s biased decision-making
Trending
“There’s Going to Be a New Player”- Kyle Petty Warns the Entire NASCAR Garage With Bold Prediction About Spire Motorsports Star
Joey Logano Leaks NASCAR’s Threat to Kick Teams Out of Daytona 500 After Chevy’s Defiance to $400,000 Fine
Kurt Busch Finally Breaking Radio Silence After Criminal Charges Forced 3-Month-Long Hiatus Has NASCAR Fans Breathing Easy
Chevy Prodigy Loses NASCAR Seat, Fans Allege Ignorance to Kyle Busch’s Daytona Setback Behind It
Michael Jordan’s Opponent’s Warning Comes True as Roger Penske Shuts Down NASCAR’s Infiltration
NASCAR’s decision to suspend Chase Elliott based on SMT data has only fueled the frustration of fans, who were already discontent with the previous ruling. The recent decision acted as a catalyst for their disappointment, and they vehemently opposed NASCAR’s judgment
Many fans perceived the decision as biased, suggesting that the rule only applies to drivers like Bubba Wallace and Chase Elliott, “so the right hook rule only applies to Bubba and Elliot??? Cindric’s daddy must have paid Nascar off.”
On SirusXM this morning, Elton Sawyer says they have looked at data on the Cindric-Dillon incident (it was recorded even though not available live) and "deemed this one as really hard racing" and no penalty.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 6, 2023
The sentiment among fans was that NASCAR’s decision-making was “consistently inconsistent.”
The comment grabbed the attention of many “Chase Elliott fans down astronomically.”
The disappointment among Chase Elliott fans was overwhelming. They highlighted the similarities between Dillon’s incident with Cindric and Elliott’s previous incident, stating
“So nascar is now measuring how much a driver is hooking a driver… yikes. He literally did the same thing Chase did. Dillon came up track. Made contact. And then Cindric turned left on him”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Kyle Larson Lashes Out: “Get That Out of My F***king Face”
They criticized NASCAR for relying on SMT data days after the race, calling for immediate decisions to be made during the race itself or not at all.
Who's at fault?
Austin Cindric gets into Austin Dillon and they collect Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #NASCAR #EnjoyIllinois300 pic.twitter.com/77UoiB0xNi
— Always Race Day (@AlwaysRaceDay) June 5, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Do you think Cindric is at fault here? Let us know in the comments.