
via Imago
Chris Buescher (17), Daniel Suarez (99), Denny Hamlin (11), Justin Haley (31), Ty Dillon (42), Aric Almirola (10) and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (47) are involved in a multi-car accident between turns 1 and 2 during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Dow Graham)

via Imago
Chris Buescher (17), Daniel Suarez (99), Denny Hamlin (11), Justin Haley (31), Ty Dillon (42), Aric Almirola (10) and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (47) are involved in a multi-car accident between turns 1 and 2 during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Dow Graham)
Every NASCAR fan has their favorite driver, someone who they can cheer for. They feel elation when they win and crushing disappointment when they lose. Of course, no driver can keep winning every race, because where’s the fun in that? However, there are times when a driver’s rival forces him out of the race, either intentionally or accidentally. Obviously, this would invite the wrath of the wrecked driver’s faithful fans.

via Getty
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – APRIL 07: Dale Earnhardt Jr, driver of the #88 Hellmann’s Fridge Hunters Chevrolet, prepares to practice for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Call 811 Before You Dig 250 powered by Call 811.com at Martinsville Speedway on April 07, 2022 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
In the age of social media, the minute something like this happens, there is a tornado of emotional outpour the next moment. Irate fans consult the Oxford Dictionary of Abuse and bang away at their keyboards. They all pour every amount of vitriol into hating and abusing the driver who seemingly wronged their own favorite.
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READ MORE: Fan Favorite Chase Elliott’s Return to Rally Cross Event Leaves Fans Wanting for More
NASCAR fans from decades ago were much worse
Of course, this is the age of social media and technology. So any hater can simply hide behind their computer screen or mobile phone, and shout abuse. However, rewinding the clock to a couple of decades ago, the fans displayed their displeasure openly. Recently, a NASCAR fan posted a clip of fans booing and jeering Jeff Gordon as he drove by. From there, other fans began to pitch examples of inappropriate behavior from other fans.
The fans were pissed and they had a right to be. 2004 should be have been Dale Jr's Championship season. This wreck, paired with the stiff penalty at Talladega for saying the word "Shit", is what took it away from him.
— Josh Hamilton (@jhracing_21) December 5, 2022
I know it’s not 2000’s nascar but remember that one time Kyle Busch got jumped by some people after a Bristol race?
— Uncle Beans (@RBeans4) December 5, 2022
I just think a dude who is in his 10th race ever, getting passed by a series regular fighting for a championship with 3 races to go, ought to give him the courtesy of letting him in line. Junior was flying forward at that moment, wasn't like he was holding up/blocking Carl.
— Just some Mike (@themikeawesome3) December 5, 2022
Maybe a hint of the start of the new culture in racing. The lack of respect we have today started showing it’s head with the inception of the chase and newer generations of drivers.
— Spencer McCormick (@S_McCormick13) December 5, 2022
For the sake of context, Jeff Gordon apparently collided with Dale Earnhardt Jr. As a result, it put Dale Jr. out of championship contention in 2004. Obviously, Jr. Nation was absolutely fuming and made their displeasure known, as he could have been a Cup champion. Then, there was a unique incident where Carl Edwards was given a lot of grief for a wreck with Dale Jr. The truth was that Edwards was not involved in the accident at all, but the Dale Jr fans didn’t care.
Fans actually attacked Carl Edwards?? Holy
— Aaron Mason (@craz3dillusionz) December 5, 2022
Earnhardt fans were the worst especially if Jr or Sr crashed or lost in 2nd. They were the most hate able fans.
— Uncle Junior (@UncleJuniorNJ) December 5, 2022
And now Elliott fans are following suit. I’m an Elliott fan myself but Chase can go no wrong in 99% of his fan base’s eyes.
— Where’s Bill? Ahhh, mmmm. (@SweetDaddyG09) December 5, 2022
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I mean, to be fair, Carl Edwards was pretty much a dick his entire career so….🤷
— Legacy (@LegacyMSports25) December 5, 2022
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Others spoke about a group of fans getting into an altercation with Kyle Busch. Now Busch is hardly the most likable driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, but was an altercation really necessary? Some people attributed the behavioral shift to the arrival of a newer generation of drivers and their clash with older drivers. Even the likes of Chase Elliott fans have been rather hostile occasionally.
WATCH THIS STORY: Chase Elliott Under Threat as Fans Voice Support for Rival In All Important Battle
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